Canada announces support for an International Day of the Girl
March 8, 2011 – As the world marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, announced Canada’s intention to support the establishment of an International Day of the Girl.
"Today on the occasion of International Women's Day, the Government of Canada is proud to encourage leadership among girls to strive for what they believe is right, and to inspire more ideas and support for girls to prosper and succeed. A girl who experiences equality has a greater likelihood of being self-confident and aware of her own potential, and of being empowered to access the education, training and career opportunities that will contribute to her success in life," said Minister Ambrose.
"As Canadians we recognize that when girls have a solid foundation, with the best skills and living conditions, they can truly soar to new heights and contribute to the health of a nation. An International Day of the Girl can galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for these goals."
Rachel, a 17-year-old member of Plan Canada’s Because I am a Girl Speakers Bureau added "The Day of the Girl would definitely spark discussions throughout the world about girls’ rights, how girls are impacted by policies, the challenges that girls face. I would use the Day of the Girl as another opportunity to bring up the issue of girls’ rights with my peers, in my community and to my leaders."
Through the Because I am a Girl initiative, Plan has been advocating for the establishment of an International Day of the Girl and introduced the idea to Minister Ambrose at 55th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at United Nations Headquarters in February 2011.
“The Day of the Girl would be important because it would bring awareness to adults that girls are worth investing in. I think it is our right to be equal players in society and we need help to make our voices heard. We are relying on girls, boys, women and men to raise their voices on our behalf,” said 11-year-old Madeleine, a Canadian student and youth advocate with Plan Canada.