Addressing gender-based violence through sexual health education 

Building healthy life skills through education, prevention, and support for women and children are key to improving gender equality in Canada and addressing the root causes of gender-based violence. By increasing access to knowledge and information, all Canadians are empowered to identify violent and harmful practices, and act on them.

Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced over $8M for 21 projects to improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls, with a focus on eliminating gender-based violence. Further to the Government of Canada’s commitment to eliminate gender-based violence, these projects will increase sexual health education, promote gender equality, and address harmful gender norms while taking into account intersectional lived experiences.

Minister Ien met with two organizations who are advancing gender equality through their community‑based projects.

• The Sex Information and Education Council of Canada discussed their project to ensure that sexual health education programs are more effective in addressing persistent harmful gender norms and attitudes among youth, and reducing the occurrence of gender-based violence. The organization received over $696,000 in funding.
• The Regroupement Naissances Respectées discussed their work to support the perinatal community and strengthen their organizational capacity and partnerships to support gender equality. The organization received over $450,000 in funding.