Canada announces $20 million for women’s economic empowerment in Middle East
shaheennews
Canadian Minister of International Development Marie-Claude Bibeau announced a contribution of $20 million to support women’s economic empowerment in Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon.
In a statement, Minister Bibeau announced a $10-million contribution to support the efforts of Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan to implement national women’s economic empowerment action plans, through the World Bank’s Mashreq Regional Gender Facility. The facility will provide technical support and funding for regional and country-level initiatives.
The minister also announced $10 million for Market-Based Opportunities and Skills Training for Women and Youth in Lebanon. Partnering with Mercy Corps, the project will create opportunities for women and youth to access employment or self-employment by providing market-driven skills training and financial education.
“Providing opportunities for women and youth to improve their skills and increase their participation in the work force is critical to our new approach to international programs. For countries in this part of the Middle East, these initiatives will help reduce poverty, grow economies and work toward lasting peace, ” she said, adding ” Canada continues to support Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan in their efforts to eliminate barriers for women and girls so they can improve their own lives and those of their families, communities and countries.”
//Petra//WH
