Government of Canada celebrates the potential of young women and girls

Minister Leitch highlights launch of Girls Advisory Council and encourages young women to join

VANCOUVER, April 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, highlighted the Government of Canada's recent announcement of a Girls Advisory Council during an event with girls at John Oliver Secondary School in Vancouver, British Columbia. Minister Leitch was joined at the event by Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South.

The Girls Advisory Council will engage girls 15-24 years of age on their priorities and areas of interest. The Council will also inform the ongoing work of the Government of Canada in areas such as: how to empower girls to be leaders; mentoring and championing for girls; preventing violence against young women and girls, including the harmful effects of social media (e.g. cyberviolence); and, how to use social media tools in positive ways (e.g. to promote role models and gender equality).

Strong Girls, Strong World Video Contest

New Advisory Council members will be selected by the Minister with the help of the current Council members from among submissions to the Strong Girls, Strong World video contest. Minister Leitch is inviting girls and young women to submit videos of their own thoughts about why it's important to celebrate the International Day of the Girl, and why they would like to join the Girls Advisory Council. Guidelines for the Strong Girls, Strong World video contest can be found at www.dayofthegirl.gc.ca.

Quick Facts

• Strong Girls, Strong World video contest: videos need to be submitted by April 15, 2015.
• The Government of Canada is committed to giving girls a strong foundation for success by empowering girls to be leaders and reach their full potential, including through mentoring and championing, and by working to prevent violence against young women and girls.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has provided more than $153 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada for community-based projects. Of this amount $18 million for projects that address the needs of young women and girls.
• On March 8, 2015, Minister Leitch announced Government of Canada funding for Plan Canada, YWCA Canada, and YMCA Canada to undertake an initiative that will support ten community projects across Canada led by young women and girls. These grassroots projects will focus on the creation of Girls Committees, where young women/girls will gain skills in decision-making and leadership. This will be done by leading special events, community outreach, advocacy, and media initiatives. Priority issues around leadership will be identified in consultation with young men/boys and other stakeholders such as schools, and local community organizations.

Quotes

"I am proud to be here in Vancouver to highlight our Government's launch of the Girls Advisory Council that will engage young women and girls on their priorities and perspectives. This is one more action the Government of Canada is taking to address the needs of girls and young women because we know when they have a strong start in life, they can achieve their full potential."

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"I am proud of our Government's efforts here in Vancouver and across the country that help young women and girls reach their full potential through actions like launching the Girls Advisory Council, and being a leader in the creation of the International Day of the Girl." 

Wai Young
Member of Parliament - Vancouver South

Additional Links

• Strong Girls, Strong World video contest details at www.dayofthegirl.gc.ca
• Information about International Women's Day

BACKGROUNDER
Girls Advisory Council

Girls Advisory Council (GAC)

On March 8, 2015, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, marked International Women's Day by announcing the creation of a new Girls Advisory Council to engage girls across Canada on their priorities and perspectives.

Council Mandate

The goal of the Council is to inform the ongoing work of the Government of Canada in areas such as: how to empower girls to be leaders; mentoring and championing for girls; preventing violence against young women and girls, including the harmful effects of social media (e.g. cyberviolence); and, how to use social media tools in positive ways (e.g. to promote role models and gender equality).

The Council will also inform the Minister of Status of Women on issues that could include recommendations on events such as the International Day of the Girl, and participation in international events (e.g. the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women).

Council Membership

In addition to the four initial members, additional Advisory Council members will be selected from among girls making submissions to the Strong Girls, Strong World video contest. New members will be selected by the Minister of Status of Women with the help of the four current members. A total of approximately six girls will be added to the Girls Advisory Council.

Video Concept

To be eligible for consideration to be selected as a member of the GAC, girls and young women are invited to submit a short video clip (maximum length of 2 minutes) answering: Why is the International Day of the Girl important to you and why would you like to be part of the Council? This can be done either electronically or by mail.

Deadline

The video contest is open from March 8, 2015 until May 1, 2015.

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.

SOURCE Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: Andrew McGrath, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Tel: [phone]; For all other inquiries: Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: [phone]