Older women in sub-Saharan Africa are often dealing with a variety of health challenges. Due to poverty, many do not have the basic resources required for health, such as nutritious food, clean water and adequate housing. Many suffer from HIV/AIDS, TB, or malaria, as well as untreated chronic problems and diseases such as high blood pressure and arthritis. Often older women do not have access to required medicines and affordable, age-friendly health and social services. This is why GRAN campaigns for access to more generic drugs, fair pricing by pharmaceutical companies, and increased investment by Canada and the world to improve access, affordability and age-friendly health care.
As a network of older women advocating for the human rights of African grandmothers, we have always been guided by the African philosophy of ubuntu. Ubuntu defines what it means to be truly human: we affirm our own humanity when we acknowledge the full humanity of others. The ubuntu principles of dignity, respect, empathy, caring, sharing, and compassion are more needed than ever in these unprecedented times.
The federal Liberal Party made a commitment in its 2019 election platform to “…continu[e] to increase Canada’s international development assistance every year towards 2030, reflecting our commitment to realizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”
In the Fall of 2020, the world is rightly focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments around the world are scrambling to deal with the health emergency and its economic repercussions. Developing countries have been especially hard hit.
Backgrounder – COVID 19
Why Canada Needs to Invest in a Global Response
Backgrounder – COVID 19
Why Canada Needs to Invest in a Global Response
Guide for MP Meeting
Purpose of Meeting: To discuss Canada’s role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic at a global level
Ask: Canada should invest at least 1% (approximately $2 billion) of its COVID-19 spending in new and additional aid towards an emergency response to end the pandemic everywhere and stop the humanitarian and development crisis it has created.
General advice
Nov 24, 2020
Dear GRAN members, If you haven’t yet registered for this upcoming event, there is still time to do so. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mama Lambert, a Rwandan... Read moreOct 18, 2020
Girls’ education in Africa is at risk. The disruption to education from COVID-19 has placed girls at higher risk of falling behind in school and of permanently dropping out of school. This is due to... Read moreSep 29, 2020
This October 1st marks the 30th anniversary of International Day of Older Persons, an occasion to celebrate older persons in our lives as sources of wisdom and inspiration. At the United... Read more
#NoCovidMonopolies! https://t.co/JBQwqFbRbi
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#NoCovidMonopolies. @mary_ng @NavdeepSBains join the Global Movement! https://t.co/61JbZa92vy
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