Collective strategies to protect and expand rights …

From Vancouver

There is no doubt. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is proudly feminist and is not "the least of thoughts". At the opening of Women Deliver 2019, the major global conference on gender equity that took place in this port city on Canada's west coast, bringing together more than 8,000 participants from 160 countries, Trudeau warned of the progress of the reactionary sectors opposed to women's rights. "Feminist progress attacks, women are daily victims of discrimination and inequality, it is the norm and not the exception, rights give way and politicians give shamefully", he said. interviewed and was applauded.

Trudeau emphasizing that it was important "to incorporate gender equality in everything we do," saying that "women's rights are human rights in Canada and around the world," and discussed the intersectionality of these rights. vulnerabilities suffered by women when they are colored or indigenous. She also talked about abortion and, although she did not mention it, she seemed to be referring to the recent decision of the Republican Government of the State of Georgia in the United States. United, where his access was restricted by the so-called heartbeat law: "The fundamental right of women to choose what to do with their own bodies is called into question," he said. In Canada, abortion is allowed without restrictions or pregnancy limits, and free access is guaranteed in public hospitals.

Trudeau is committed to fighting violence against women, bridging the gender gap and including parents in caring for their children. In October, he will face federal elections and the ballot box will give way to his party, the liberal (center to center) behind the Conservative.

The Women Deliver Conference began on the day of the release of the report of a survey of women and girls, murdered and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada. The study concluded that there is a "persistent and deliberate pattern of systematic, racial and gender-based violations and violations of the human rights of indigenous peoples". Trudeau said the government is preparing a plan of action to compensate victims, including women, gays and transgender people, "because our country can do it better and we will do it." he added.

The Canadian Prime Minister spoke after the presentation of European President Katjia Iversen. Trudeau then participated in the panel of the first plenary session of the very large meeting, in which the role of social movements and women, as well as youth, was central to the agenda of activities. There are approximately 1400 young people from 130 countries.

On the first day, with Trudeau, the first woman president of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, Kenya's president, Uhuru Kenyatta, Muslim Canadian doctor, 30-year-old Alaa Murabit, one of 17 defenders of the goals from Sustainable Development Global, appointed by the UN secretary, and Natasha Mwansa, an 18-year-old Zambian journalist and activist for the rights of children and young people, among others. The African teenager, braided hair, has aroused the public's ovation by challenging adults with sympathy and firmness: "It's fine to promise that there is a tie, but it has to be reflected, "he asked and asked for a larger budget for childhood and youth" You can not have a job if it is not there. " access for young people, "he said. And the Canadian Prime Minister and the public stood up to applaud him. Murabit, who has covered the head of an Islamic veil, also made a strong call to defend women's right to "decide our body". "If they disagree, we have to say no, you have to make a firm statement," he said.

The problem of girls' marriages flew over the panel. The president of Kenya said that a law banning marriage before age 18 was enforced in his country. He also pointed out that the government provided sanitary towels to all women "so that there is no stigma" for those who can not access this technology when they have their menstrual period. .

The lemma of the conference is "The power of us", our power. The question that arises at this summit on women's equity, rights, health and well-being and that challenges political leaders and activists is: "How are you going to use the power to change?" BBC journalist Lyse Doucet, moderator of the first panel, told speakers: "Power is a responsibility and the best way to use it is to empower young people, women, the marginalized, activists, to those who do not have it, "Trudeau replied. "I will use my power to promote the badual and reproductive rights of women.If a girl does not consider that she has power over her own body, we must give her the power to possess it," replied the doctor. murabite. The teenager asked to empower young people.

The opening ceremony began with the entry of a large group of representatives of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, dressed in typical costumes, who sang a traditional song entitled "The Song of the Good Woman", accompanied by drums and other instruments.

At closing, Conference Chair Katja Iversen said: "We need the power of collective action".