Students Learn About International Development in the #MeToo Era
How is international development helping to uproot the systematic inequalities that prevent gender equality from flourishing? What is the role of Canada—especially government, civil society, and young Canadians—in breaking stereotypes and changing behaviours that hold back women and girls?
These issues were the focus of a panel discussion facilitated by Plan Canada and Global Affairs Canada, which students from the MSc Global Health program attended earlier this month for International Development week.
Titled ‘International Development in the #metoo Era,’ the panel explored how we can work to release the inherent agency of women and girls to contribute to a future where women and girls have equal access to opportunities and to assets. Simply put, Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved if 50% of the global population is systematically excluded from participating.
“Events like this are valuable because they provide the opportunity for students to have both a presence and a voice,” says Global Health student Sarah Walji. “They provide practical learning for theoretical concepts and are useful in terms of gaining insight into the professional setting,” she says.
The recently released federal budget indicates that gender and development are a major priority for the Government of Canada, with $2 billion pledged over five years to increase international aid. Global Affairs Canada also draws attention to the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights as a contributor to gender equality.
Plan International Canada CEO and President Caroline Riseboro notes that men and boys need to be part of the conversation, highlighting Plan Canada’s project to end period shaming in Uganda as an example of why this inclusion matters.
The panel’s call to action was to join the global movement towards amplifying the voices of women and girls, working to change not just their conditions, but their positions in society.
“The main message I took away was that this was only the start of the discussion, and that I need to seek out additional answers and let my voice continue to be heard,” says Waliji.
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