Canada announces expansion and renewal of Women’s Voice and Leadership program

April 27, 2023– Ottawa, Canada – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today announced $195 million over 5 years and $43.3M annually thereafter, on an ongoing basis to provide sustainable, flexible and responsive programming to women’s rights organizations across the globe.

Renewed funding for Canada’s flagship Women’s Voice and Leadership Program responds directly to the needs of local women’s organizations and movements in developing countries working to advance the rights of women and girls and promote gender equality. The renewal and expansion will also allow the program to reach more women’s rights organizations, particularly those in crisis- and conflict-affected contexts.

A key pillar of program support is the critical advocacy work for gender transformative policy and legislative change. In 2022 alone, local women’s rights organizations successfully influenced over 100 policies, laws and frameworks, breaking down the structures and systems creating barriers to equality.

The Women’s Voice and Leadership Program also supports a wide diversity of women’s rights organizations. With Canada’s support, programming in 2022 reached 3,000 persons identifying as lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LBTQI) and 900 people living with disabilities.

Women’s rights organizations, feminist movements and women human rights defenders are vital to breaking down barriers to gender equality around the world, especially in times of crisis and conflict. Canada remains committed to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to carry out their important work for years to come.