Empowering Women
For Governor General Michaëlle Jean, denying more than half of the world’s population the most basic human rights is one of the worst scandals of our time. This is what has inspired her determination to break down the wall of indifference and give a voice to women.
She believes that being safe—at home, in our neighbourhoods, in our communities—is one of the basic rights that are all t oo often abused where women are concerned, even in our so-called progressive societies. That is why she has made violence against women a priority in her mandate. It is also a commitment that stems from her years spent working with women and children who had suffered through many forms of violence, which led her to help establish a network of shelters for them.
In her view, the struggle for equality is not just a woman’s struggle; it is the struggle of every person who demands respect, justice and dignity. She strongly believes that we have everything to gain when we give women the means to change their lives for the better. “Empower women,” Her Excellency states, “and you will see a decrease in poverty, illiteracy, illness and violence.”
Her Excellency will host the conference “Together for Women’s Security” at Rideau Hall, on September 9 and 10, 2010. The conference aims to create a space for dialogue to talk about best practices and strategies to ensure women’s security. The key theme will be discussed during round tables, a plenary session and informal meetings.
Her Excellency delivered a vibrant plea for the important roles that African Women must play for the future of Africa in a speech to the National Assembly and Senate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
On the occasion of the International Women's Day, Their Excellencies went to the ruins of the Ministry of the Status of Women. Hundreds of people, mostly women, attended the event.
The Governor General, went to San Juan La Laguna, in Guatemala, to visit associations of women weavers. She admired their hand woven work.
The Governor General participated in a roundtable discussion on the participation of women in society. This discussion brought together prominent Croatian women from civil society and members of the Canadian delegation.
Her Excellency presented the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case to six laureates during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
The Governor General participated in a discussion with representatives from non-governmental organizations to obtain an overview of the situation of women in Ukraine related to the challenges and opportunities they face in the political, economic and health spheres.
On the eve of International Women’s Day, Her Excellency spoke on the importance of educating and mobilizing women to fight exclusion and oppression at this international colloquium.
The Governor General hosted a Youth Dialogue entitled “What about us? Women and girls changing the shape of democracy”.
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Her Excellency delivered opening remarks at a discussion with Aboriginal women held at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto on International Women’s Day.
The Govenor General delivered a speech on the importance of mobilization and solidarity at the Communities Working Together to End Violence Against Women Conference held in Kitchener
Her Excellency participated in a discussion at Rideau Hall about women and leadership, particularly in relation to the performing arts, with women from the business and arts communities as well as young women emerging as future leaders.
During her Official Visit to New Brunswick, the Governor General met with representatives from 22 regional networks to discuss the prevention of family violence and violence against women. The Honourable Carmel Robichaud, Minister of Family and Community Services and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, also participate in the discussion.
Her Excellency marked the International Women’s Day, in Kabul, to show her solidarity with the women of Afghanistan and those from all over the world.
During a State visit to South Africa, the Governor General delivered remarks to a business women's association.
Her Excellency delivered the keynote address at the International Conference Violence Against Women: Diversifying Social Responses
The Governor General met with women's groups in Haiti during an event organized by the Haitian department related to women's conditions and rights.
Her Excellency presented the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case to six women at a ceremony at Rideau Hall.