Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa has appealed with the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to back a big idea that could kick-start momentous change for women.
The Canadian Prime Minister will host the leaders of the world’s biggest economies at the G7 summit in Quebec in a few weeks time.
Jumwa urged him to kick start a bold new initiative that brings governments and the private sector together to fund programmes and change policies designed to empower women in the poorest countries.
The lawmaker said girls and women in the world’s poorest countries are being held back from realising their full potential, because poverty is sexist.
"They are fighting for an equal chance to learn, equal opportunities to earn money, and equal control over their finances. If every woman could unlock her own potential to work, earn and invest in the future, the impact would be revolutionary," she said.
In a communique on April 12, the former Kilifi Woman Representative said women would have more freedom and control over their own lives since they tend to spend more on the health and education of their children, so as future generations and entire communities would benefit.
"And it would boost the global economy by an incredible US $12 trillion, if all gender gaps in work and society were closed," she said.