OTTAWA, Oct. 9, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Ms. Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, today marked International Day of the Girl in Ottawa. The event was hosted by the United Nations Association in Canada in partnership with the City of Ottawa, Equal Voice, and students from a number of high schools in the Ottawa-Carleton region.
In keeping with this year's theme for International Day of the Girl, "Empowering Adolescent Girls: Ending the Cycle of Violence," Ms. Truppe spoke about Canada's commitment to preventing violence against girls and young women in Canada and internationally, and highlighted some of the actions the Government of Canada has taken to address this issue.
Canada's international efforts include actions to end the barbaric practice of child, early and forced marriage around the world. The Parliamentary Secretary also affirmed Canada's pledge to safeguard the health of mothers, newborns and children around the world through the G8 Muskoka Initiative.
There are many ways to participate in this year's International Day of the Girl. Activities are taking place across the country and online. Canadians are also encouraged to organize and attend events in their communities, schools and workplaces. Teachers are invited to make use of Educators Toolkit about International Day of the Girl available at women.gc.ca.
Canadians are also invited to show what they are doing to support girls and mark International Day of the Girl by sharing their actions on social media using the#IDG2014 and #StrongGirls hashtags.
Quick Facts
- The International Day of the Girl promotes equal treatment and opportunities for girls in areas such as law, nutrition, health care, education, training, and freedom from violence and abuse. It occurs on October 11 each year.
- Statistics show that girls throughout the world face higher rates of some forms of violence, poverty and discrimination than boys. In Canada, girls have higher rates of depression, sexual harassment and dating violence.
- Since 2009, the Government of Canada has provided more than $18 million through Status of Women Canada for community-based projects focused on girls.
- Canada led the campaign to designate an International Day of the Girl. The initiative was formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19, 2011. The first International Day of the Girl was celebrated around the world in 2012.
Quotes
"This year on International Day of the Girl, we are highlighting what we know is true – that when girls have a strong start in life they can achieve their full potential. That's why the Government of Canada is committed to protecting the human rights of girls, and supporting their full participation in all aspects of our society."
The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
"Our Government is committed to ensuring that the girls of this community have the best start possible. When girls are safe from violence, have access to education, and have the opportunity to contribute, they can achieve great things. We all benefit from their success."
Susan Truppe
Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women
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Additional Links
- Information on child, early and forced marriage
- Information on International Day of the Girl
- Facts about girls in Canada and around the world
- Information about Women's History Month
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: 819-953-5646, [email protected]; For all other inquiries: Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: 819-420-6810
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