Thank you.
Welcome, Minister.
I would like to begin by congratulating you and the government on Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, as it will make a difference not only for women and girls, but also in terms of the effectiveness of the assistance provided in general.
In that regard, I would like to ask you how Canada's Development Finance Institution will help the country reach its sustainable development objectives, especially SDG5 regarding gender equality.
Women's financial inclusion is a key element for ensuring equality. According to the World Bank, in developing countries, women are 20% less likely than men to even have a bank account. However, in those countries, between 30% and 37% of small businesses are owned by women.
How will the new DFI ensure that women will benefit equally from private investments? How will the financial inclusion of all vulnerable and marginalized groups, including women, be part of the DFI's mandate?