Government of Canada setting the stage for girls to lead and succeed

OTTAWA, June 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced the theme for Women's History Month 2012, "Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start," and launched a Call for Proposals that is focused on setting the stage for girls to lead and succeed.

"Our government recognizes the enormous potential of girls and young women to take on leadership roles in our communities," said Minister Ambrose. "I encourage eligible organizations to apply to help young Canadian girls become the leaders of today and tomorrow."

Canadians celebrate Women's History Month in October. The theme for 2012 is "Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start." The theme celebrates the leadership roles that girls and young women have played throughout our country's history.

"I encourage all Canadians to join in and plan events to help celebrate Women's History Month," said Minister Ambrose. "This year, during Women's History Month 2012, we will be making our own history by celebrating the first-ever International Day of the Girl on October 11!

From now until August 10, 2012, the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada will accept funding applications for the Call for Proposals, "Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed," in one of two thematic areas:

• Engaging girls and young women in leadership roles
• Strengthening girls' and young women's economic prosperity

Eligible organizations must address a number of predetermined criteria in their responses. For more information on this Call for Proposals, "Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed," please visit women.gc.ca.

For more information on Status of Women Canada and funding available through the Women's Program, please visit women.gc.ca.

For media inquiries only:           

Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819 997-5421

For all other inquiries, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General
Communications and
Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839

Ce texte est également disponible en français.