By: Ritika Roy Chowdhury (Results Fellow)
Growing up across different countries, I’ve seen how something as simple as access to healthcare or education can shape a child’s entire future. But for millions of children and women around the world, these basic rights are still out of reach. It’s heartbreaking to think that a girl could be denied an education simply because of where she was born or that a child could die from a preventable disease.
Canada has always stood for human rights, but right now, our global commitments are falling short. The pandemic set back years of progress-more children are facing malnutrition, more girls are dropping out of school, and vaccine programs that save lives are struggling due to funding gaps.
We have solutions. Organizations like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have already helped immunize over a billion children. Investing in education ensures that girls can build better futures for themselves and their communities. But none of this is possible without the right funding.
With Canada set to lead the G7 in 2025, we have a real chance to step up. I’m calling on our government to increase the International Assistance Envelope by $650 million in Budget 2025. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real people, real futures. A budget is more than a financial plan; it’s a reflection of our values.
Will we choose to be leaders in building a more just and equitable world?
Volunteer Voices articles are penned by Results Canada volunteers, fellows, and staff. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Results Canada. Click here for more Volunteer Voices articles and learn how you can submit your letter to the editor (LTE) or op-ed.
