March 8, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade; the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development); and the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, today issued the following statement:

“On International Women’s Day, we reaffirm a simple truth: When all women and girls can fully exercise their rights, our communities, our economies and our world are stronger for it.

“Around the world, women and girls are leading change as innovators, peacebuilders and advocates. Yet too many continue to face discrimination, violence and systemic barriers simply because of who they are. Rights are rolled back, justice is delayed and promises of action too often go unfulfilled.

“These challenges are compounded for Indigenous women and girls, women living with disabilities, racialized women, 2SLGBTQI+ people and those living in conflict-affected or marginalized communities.

“Canada refuses to accept this as the status quo.

“This year’s theme—Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.—is both a call and a commitment. We continue to work to make progress, and that progress must be defended and accelerated

“Rights mean freedom from fear and coercion. Justice means accountability and systems that work for everyone. Action means moving beyond words to deliver real, measurable change.

“We are committed to advancing gender equality. That means defending sexual and reproductive health and rights, supporting women human rights defenders, investing in girls’ education and ensuring women have a meaningful voice in peace, climate and economic decision making.

“Here at home, we are making life more affordable and expanding access to child care. We are supporting women’s economic participation and protecting family-support programs so women do not have to choose between building a career and raising a family. And we’re taking action to address and prevent gender-based violence in our communities.

“Gender equality is not a side issue—it is fundamental to sustainable development, lasting peace and inclusive growth.

“On International Women’s Day, we honour the women who have paved the way, the women and girls leading change now and the girls who will define what comes next. 

“Canada will continue to stand with all women and girls—at home and around the world—until equality is the norm, not the exception.”