Canada elected as a voice for women on UN Commission

Canada will soon have a better platform for speaking out on the rights of women and girls around the world.

On Thursday, the Government of Canada announced that it earned a spot on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW).

The UNCSW, which was first established in 1946, is governing body that sets priorities on the topic of gender equality and the empowerment of women globally.

In mid-March, Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women in Canada, announced at the 16th UNCSW in New York that Canada was seeking a seat. She said this is part of our country’s commitment to advance gender equality, at home and worldwide.

"Serving as a member of the Commission of the UNCSW will allow Canada to play a more vigorous role protecting and promoting the human rights of women and girls around the world,” said Hajdu, in a statement. “Our participation in the Commission is an important part of our renewed commitment to advance gender equality, both at home and abroad.

“I look forward to working with other nations to empower women and girls everywhere to reach their full potential."

Honoured to be addressing the United Nations as the head of the Canadian delegation for #CSW60. pic.twitter.com/og4RDhTPAX

— Patty Hajdu (@PattyHajdu) March 15, 2016

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was part of the 16^th session of UNCSW, and was even named 'champion' of UN Women's HeForShe campaign, a solidarity movement that calls upon men and boys to stand up against inequalities faced by women and girls around the world.

According to Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, this is the first time Canada has had a seat on this Commission since 2007.

"We look forward to working with member states to promote gender equality, empower women and girls, and advance their human rights,” he said.

Canada will serve as a member of the Commission of the UNCSW from 2017 to 2021.