Canada will invest $400 million over three years to provide numerous new additions and advancements to international educational programs for women living in crisis-affected areas.
The funding will contribute to a collective $3.8 billion in support from the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the World Bank, the G7 allies announced Saturday in Quebec.
Canada’s $400 million will be in addition to the $180 million in funding provided to the Global Partnership for Education in January 2018.
The funding to support women and girls’ education is in coordination with the theme of gender equality and women empowerment, one of the five focuses of the G7 summit.
Specifically, the multi-billion dollar investment will improve women and girls’ access to quality education, aid in providing skills required for jobs, support gender equality in schools and develop methods to educate women and girls in difficult to reach areas.
“We need to work together to ensure all women and girls have access to quality education and modern skills training,” said Justin Trudeau in a statement.
“From primary school to secondary school and beyond, women and girls in crisis and conflict situations must have the same opportunities to succeed. Investing in their education is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”
Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Minister of International Development, was beyond pleased with the action when she spoke at the G7 Presidency Summit on Saturday following the announcement.
