Laurenne Garneau is a gender equality and social inclusion specialist with 25 years of experience promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in sectors such as agriculture, renewable and non-renewable natural resources management, entrepreneurship and trade. Her innovative work in Canada and abroad has resulted in better policies and programs that support the ability of women to develop their agency, defend their rights and take part in decision making in both the private and public spheres.

Laurenne represented Canada as Head of Development Cooperation in both Myanmar and the Philippines. She also led the environment and development portfolio while posted to Indonesia. Laurenne’s international work has also taken her to Central and South America, Cuba, Haiti, Tunisia, Egypt and Francophone Africa.

In 2017, she began her work as an independent professional specializing in the issues of gender equality and social inclusion. She brings proven approaches and innovation to projects and policy-making and also contributes to the strategic positioning of organizations on gender equality. The Forum of Federations, Right to Play, the Parliamentary Centre and Développement Desjardins International are among the organizations Laurenne had the privilege to recently work with.