Canadian Women are Agents of Change
The vision of Gather Women is to magnify the voice and presence of Christian women in Canada. Our influence as ministers of the gospel is not only meant to impact our families, churches and ministry paradigms, but also extends to wherever God assigns us in the marketplace and as we go about our day to day lives.
We are highlighting this article from the Government of Canada because we affirm the following beliefs:
"The active participation and leadership by women in all aspects of society is critical both at home and abroad.” - Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Canada believes women are powerful agents of change and have the right to be full participants and influencers in peace and security operations."
- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophone
We share this article because we believe that, as women who desire to live and lead like Jesus, our presence in this nation as ambassadors of Christ should have a transforming and peace-making impact on our culture. We believe our voices are impactful, not despite the fact that we are women, but because we are women, and have unique strengths to offer of collaboration, creativity and values-based leadership. What do you think? We would love to hear your responses.
Canada renews commitment to women, peace and security
Article taken from Government of Canada
February 7, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, consider gender equality and the empowerment of women as vital preconditions to conflict prevention, resolution and transition to peace. For these reasons, they reiterated Canada’s commitment to the issue of women, peace and security as the Government of Canada tabled its response to the third report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, entitled An Opportunity for Global Leadership: Canada and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
In 2010, Canada adopted the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security in response to a series of United Nations Security Council resolutions on the issue. In its report, the standing committee identifies progress made to date in the implementation of the action plan and highlights challenges to be addressed.
In its response to the standing committee’s report, the Government of Canada commits to take into account its recommendations as it actively works to renew the action plan. It will also consider the results of its International Assistance Review, and will consult with the members of the Women, Peace and Security Network-Canada and other groups and experts in Canada, the UN and like-minded and conflict-affected countries.
The Standing Committee made 17 recommendations, including:
- increasing the number of women members of the military, of police officers and of civilians it puts forward to fill senior UN positions;
- taking a leading role on peace operations issues and women, peace and security through forums at the UN;
- increasing the number of women employed in peace operations; and
- including women in peace processes by supporting local civil society organizations and women human rights defenders.
