The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.
Mr. Speaker, this week I joined ministers and parliamentarians from across the country and around the world, as well as representatives from labour, education and civil society at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City.
The Canadian delegation was led by the Minister of Status of Women Canada. Several representatives from this province attended including leaders from the Canadian Federation of University Women, Unifor and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour.
The session at the United Nations – in which Canada played a major role – was integral to advancing the rights and equality of women and girls. It was an honour to be part of the empowering general assembly and to participate in sessions on gender-based violence and accountability measures for gender equality, and to discuss gender-based analysis in policies, programs, services, legislation and budgets to ensure equitable outcomes for women in decision-making by governments.
As was said during the assembly, “evidence proves that investing in gender equality and the health, rights and wellbeing of girls and women, creates a ripple effect that spurs growth and progress for all.”
While at the United Nations session, I also had the opportunity to meet with my national colleagues on how we can continue to collaborate on initiatives of gender equality and violence prevention.
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to advancing the status of women and girls in Newfoundland and Labrador. We do not want half the population left behind in opportunity or advancement. This is one of the many reasons why it was important to share our voice at the United Nations. Thank you.