Ottawa gathering provides setting to help more girls and women thrive

Last week was a busy time in Ottawa as Children Believe (CB) reps joined other experts to co-sponsor the 2019 Summit on Canada’s Global Leadership in Ottawa.

Our goal was to spread the word about the need to reduce barriers — such as child marriage, exploitation and more — preventing women and girls around the world from changing their future for the better.

Patrick Canagasingham, CB’s CEO, led a workshop to discuss the issue. Feleke Tadele, director of program effectiveness and resource management, CB, moderated the session, featuring:

• Ana Androsik, director of program development and external engagement, CB
• Karen Craggs-Milne, founder and CEO of Gender Equality Incorporated
• Misha Baudisch-McCabe, manager of gender equality, diversity and inclusion for the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
• Julia Dicum, deputy director, education at Global Affairs Canada, representing the Government of Canada.

Panellists highlighted the need to boost and diversify investments from non-government sources to promote quality and inclusive education for boys and girls, in particular education in science, technology, engineering and digital jobs.

There was an emphasis on strengthening global policy and advocacy campaigns such as ending early and forced marriages, like Children Believe’s Stop Child Marriage NOW campaign in India. There was also discussion on how to dismantle barriers to girls’ education and young women’s empowerment.

“The workshop not only helped elevate an important discussion pertaining to breaking barriers, but it also demonstrated to us and our partners alike that, Children Believe is capable and committed to addressing structural issues in our interventions,” Canagasingham said after the summit.

The event was also an opportunity to introduce Children Believe, rebranded from Christian Children’s Fund of Canada in October. Representatives from many of Canada’s leaders in international development interacted with CB staff to learn about the change and the organization’s work in breaking barriers to education so children can dream and live fearlessly.

You can help today. Donate to our gift catalogue, and send a girl to school for a year.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.