Poll shows Canadians believe women hold the key to fighting global poverty - March 9, 2010

International Women’s Day 2010

March 7, 2010 – On the eve of International Women’s Day, March 8, CARE Canada is releasing the results of a national survey which shows 88 per cent of Canadians believe women play an important role in reducing global poverty.

“There is an overwhelming belief in Canada that women are key in the fight against poverty,” said Kevin McCort, President and CEO of CARE Canada. “I think this is a clear demonstration that Canadians understand and support the role that the empowerment of women play. Now it’s up to all of us to turn this belief into action.”

The survey of just over 1000 Canadians, conducted by Nanos Research from January 29 to February 4, 2010, found that 73.3 per cent believe women play an “important” role in reducing global poverty. Another 14.7 per cent agreed that women play a “somewhat important” role.

The survey is part of CARE Canada’s International Women’s Day activities, which are raising awareness about issues such as maternal health, economic empowerment of women and reducing gender-based violence, and how these issues fit into the broader picture of global poverty.

In recognition of the day, CARE Canada is also asking all Canadians tie a piece of string around their index finger. Tying string on one’s finger is an old folk tradition to remind oneself about something important.

“By wearing the string on this day, we remind ourselves and everyone around us about how much women around the world have accomplished, and how much more has yet to be achieved,” said McCort. “It’s a small act but an important one, because at the same time as we have to help bring education to all the women and girls in the developing world, we have to start by educating ourselves.”

McCort has just returned from a visit to Haiti where he saw first hand the work CARE is doing with women in the aftermath of the earthquake, and the importance of empowering women.

“Haiti is another stark example that when disaster strikes in vulnerable countries, women are the most affected. The damage to maternal, natal and neo-natal health care is devastating in a country where the maternal mortality rate is already one in 44. Even more alarming has been the rise of rape and sexual violence,” said McCort.

Women are at the core of CARE’s work in Haiti. Food and water distributions prioritize women, particularly mothers, and CARE has been distributing special supply kits for mothers with newborn babies. As well, CARE is actively working to prevent rape and gender-based violence by ensuring women have safe access to sanitation and other facilities. In Leogane, CARE is coordinating with the community to establish a women’s centre.

CARE is also heavily involved with empowering women in Afghanistan. CARE programs provide education to girls, support for vulnerable widows, and vocational training for Afghan women. “In Afghanistan, just like in Haiti, the key to reducing poverty and bringing stability lies in ensuring women have an education, health care and the power to support themselves and their families with a real livelihood.”

For more information about other acts Canadians can take to support women around the world this International Women’s Day, and how CARE is working to empower women, please visit www.care.ca.