Canada, along with the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, has announced an investment of close to $3.8 billion CAD, in improving and reducing barriers to quality education around the world. They will also make sure the voices of women and girls are included when decisions are made on education and employment.
The announcement represents the single largest investment in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. It has the potential to make a difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable women and girls.
Prime Minister of Canada, Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau said, “We need to work together to ensure all women and girls have access to quality education and modern skills training. 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. Given the chance, we know women and girls will drive positive change, and help build better lives for themselves, their families, their communities, and, in turn, the world.”
Canada is investing $400 million CAD over three years; The European Union is investing 72 million euros over three years; Germany is investing 75 million euros; Japan is investing $200 million USD in girl’s and women’s quality education, including in emergencies or in conflict-affected or fragile states; The United Kingdom is investing £187 million, which builds on Prime Minister May’s announcement at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April when she pledged £212 million to get almost one million girls in developing countries across the Commonwealth learning; The World Bank is investing $2 billion USD over five years
These investments will support global action to: Equip women and girls with the skills needed for the jobs of the future, Improve training for teachers to provide better curriculum for women and girls, Improve the quality of available data on women’s and girls’ education, Promote greater coordination between humanitarian and development partners, Support innovative education methods, especially for vulnerable and hard to reach groups, including refugees and displaced people, Support developing countries in efforts to provide equal opportunities for girls to complete at least 12 years of quality education, from primary to secondary school.
