Global Affairs Canada announces $10m funding to MSI to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights

Last week, MSI delegates attended Women Deliver — a global conference working to advance gender equality — in Kigali, Rwanda. To kick off the conference, MSI hosted a reception on driving change and accountability for reproductive choice. 

It was an inspiring session that brought together leaders who are on the frontline protecting and promoting access to reproductive healthcare. At this reception, Canadian MP Arielle Kayabaga announced a CAD $10 million allocation for MSI for the ‘Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights’ project which is part of Canada's SheSOARS initiative. This will provide access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services for women, adolescent girls, people living in extreme poverty, people living with disabilities, and conflict- and displacement-affected populations in Africa and Asia. 

MP Kayabaga said: "I was pleased to see the many new initiatives take shape, leading to more investments and stronger partnerships. I am committed to continue advocating for pathways to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, in Canada and everywhere. Women deserve the right to choose for their bodies and as a leader, it is our duty to protect these essential human rights." 

Anna Mackay, MSI’s Senior Director of Global Programmes and Philanthropy, commented on the impact this will have: “We are heartened by the continuing support from the Canadian government which furthers our already strong partnership. With these funds, many more women and girls around the world will be reached with life-changing reproductive healthcare and information — countering an emboldened anti-choice opposition who are trying to deny people their reproductive rights.”