MP Iqra Khalid recently represented Canada at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Belgrade, Serbia, where women leaders and parliamentarians from around the world gathered to discuss advancing gender equality and strengthening women's participation in political leadership.
Over the course of the conference, MP Khalid participated in discussions on breaking down gender stereotypes, challenging harmful social norms, and addressing the barriers that continue to prevent many women from fully participating in public life.
As a panelist in the session Advancing Parity Through Diversity, she emphasized that meaningful progress goes beyond increasing the number of women in politics and requires creating environments where women are heard, respected, and empowered to lead.
The conference also featured important discussions on online violence and harassment targeting women in politics, as well as strategies to create safer and more inclusive spaces for women in leadership.
“Most people aren’t asking for power; they’re asking for a fair shot,” said MP Khalid. “We should stop counting the women in politics and start counting on the women in politics.”
The conference provided an important opportunity for international collaboration and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to advancing equality, inclusion, and opportunities for women around the world.