Minister Leitch marks the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the 59th UNCSW

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Mar 10, 2015, 15:48 ET

Canada joins other member states in urging further action to accelerate women's empowerment around the world

NEW YORK, March 10, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women is leading the Canadian delegation to the 59^th UNCSW, which takes place in New York from March 9^th to 20^th, 2015. Minister Leitch will join voices with other member states in urging the United Nations to take concrete action to advance gender equality around the world, including integrating gender considerations throughout the post-2015 development agenda.

This is a milestone year for the UNCSW, as 2015 marks the 20^th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which were adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. With this, the international community committed to protecting women's human rights and to achieving the empowerment and advancement of women everywhere. The UNCSW marked this occasion by issuing a political declaration that reaffirms the commitment of member countries to achieving gender equality.

This year's session of the UNCSW focuses on the progress that has been made toward these goals since 1995, as well as identifying opportunities for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women in the post-2015 development agenda. In preparation for this year's UNCSW, countries produced national reviews outlining their progress toward gender equality in the twenty years since the Beijing Declaration. Canada's National Review is available online.

During this year's session, Minister Leitch will deliver Canada's Head of Delegation statement and will participate in other events, including discussions focused on the empowerment of girls and young women, as well as child, early and forced marriage.

Quick Facts

On behalf of the Government of Canada, Minister Leitch is leading the Canadian delegation to the 59^th UNCSW, which takes place in New York from March 9^th to March 20^th, 2015.
The Canadian delegation includes representatives from the federal and provincial governments, as well as members of civil society.
With 2015 marking the 20^th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a record number of representatives from civil society and government are expected to attend the 59th UNCSW. Approximately 200 side-events will be hosted by governments and UN agencies, with another 450 parallel events to be held by civil society.
The 59^th UNCSW issued a political declaration reaffirming the commitment of member countries to achieving gender equality.
The Government of Canada supports the practice of mentorship as a career development tool for women. For example, it has established an Expert Panel on Championing and Mentorship for Women Entrepreneurs that has been meeting with a cross-section of Canadian business leaders.

Quotes

"Canada is committed to championing the health and human rights of women and girls all around the world, and promoting their empowerment, no matter where they live. This session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is an important opportunity to work with the international community to ensure that the rights of women and girls are protected. I am proud of the leadership Canada has shown in this area. This includes our work to improve maternal, newborn and child health in the world's poorest countries, as well as our continuing efforts to end child, early and forced marriage."

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.,
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

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Photos of Minister Leitch are available.

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SOURCE Status of Women Canada