Huffington Post: We Can Build A Better World If We Stop Leaving Half Of It Behind
Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of international development and La Francophonie, and Kristalina Georgieva, Chief Executive Officer at the World Bank

“The World Bank and the Government of Canada agree that one of the most effective ways to accelerate economic development, reduce poverty and build sustainable societies around the world is to empower women and girls. … Canada’s new Feminist International Assistance Policy asserts that we cannot hope to accomplish the SDGs if women and girls are not included in decisions and do not have equal access to economic opportunities. We still live in a world where in 100 countries, women are restricted from doing the same jobs as men. … As long as this kind of inequality exists, the better world that the SDGs envision will remain an elusive dream. … We need a concerted push from governments, the private sector and multilateral institutions to get the job done. We need strong, innovative partnerships capable of leveraging new financing and knowledge. Every country has a role to play, as does a strong and effective multilateral system. The world can count on Canada and the World Bank to do their part for the world’s women and girls” (9/28)