EDMONTON, Oct. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today applauded organizations and communities across Canada for their outstanding contributions to the success of the first-ever International Day of the Girl on October 11.
"I am delighted and overwhelmed by the support Canadians have shown for the inaugural International Day of the Girl," said Minister Ambrose. "Through our actions, we make a real difference for girls and young women and we underscore the solid truth that girls' rights are human rights."
The International Day of the Girl aims to promote equal treatment and opportunities for girls around the world in areas such as law, nutrition, health care, education, training, and freedom from violence and abuse. Throughout the world, girls face higher rates of violence, poverty and discrimination.
Communities in all parts of Canada celebrated International Day of the Girl, holding an array of special events.
For example, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) held events for local girls in municipalities across the country. Local elected officials provided the girls with first-hand insights into civic issues with the goal of inspiring them to take on the challenges and opportunities of leadership at the municipal level.
FCM also spearheaded an initiative to encourage municipalities to declare October 11 the Day of the Girl in their city, town or province, and to urge all citizens to support and participate in programs and events to improve the lives of girls and young women.
The YWCA of Montréal hosted "Through Her Eyes/De leurs regards naît une histoire," an event in honour of girls; at the University of Guelph, the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support invited local Grade 10 and 11 students to an event in honour of International Day of the Girl; the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Saskatchewan hosted a community fair to celebrate local girls; the Indo-Canadian Women's Association of Edmonton screened a new documentary film, "It's a Girl" and in Victoria, St. Margaret's School hosted a series of speakers and films supporting girls around the world.
In addition, provincial and territorial governments celebrated this day by holding events across the country. For example, the New Brunswick government organized informal dialogue sessions on important issues for girls and young women.
On December 19, 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution designating the International Day of the Girl.
October is Women's History Month in Canada. In honour of the first-ever International Day of the Girl, the theme for Women's History Month 2012 is Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start. For information on International Day of the Girl and Women's History Month, go to women.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, please visit women.gc.ca.
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