Plan International Canada celebrates International Day of the Girl alongside Sophie Grégoire Trudeau Français
One year after #MeToo, Canadian girls reflect on pivotal moment in gender equality movement
TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2018 /CNW/ - To celebrate International Day of the Girl, Plan International Canada President & CEO, Caroline Riseboro, and a fierce group of Defiant Girls were joined by Plan International Canada Global Ambassador Sophie Grégoire Trudeau at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre for the release of new survey data exploring the realities of gender equality for girls 14- to 24-years-old in Canada.
Plan International Canada's national survey reveals just how 'normal' sexual harassment, gender discrimination and insecurity continue to be for girls across Canada:
![Plan International Canada President & CEO Caroline Riseboro (centre left), Plan International Canada Global Ambassador Sophie Grégoire Trudeau (centre right) and Girl Ambassadors strike a defiant pose with International Day of the Girl statues at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre on October 11, 2018. (Josh Fee/Plan International Canada) (CNW Group/Plan International Canada)](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/768088/Plan_International_Canada_Plan_International_Canada_celebrates_I.jpg?w=400)
![Plan International Canada Global Ambassador Sophie Grégoire Trudeau joins Girl Ambassadors to mark International Day of the Girl at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre on October 11, 2018. (Josh Fee/Plan International Canada) (CNW Group/Plan International Canada)](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/768093/Plan_International_Canada_Plan_International_Canada_celebrates_I.jpg?w=400)
![Plan International Canada Global Ambassador Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Caroline Riseboro, President & CEO of Plan International Canada, and Girl Ambassadors celebrate alongside International Day of the Girl statues at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. From left to right: Elyssa (15), Nidusha (20), Aloka (17), Caroline Riseboro, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Maitland (20), Rima (18), Lillian (18). (Josh Fee/Plan International Canada) (CNW Group/Plan International Canada)](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/768090/Plan_International_Canada_Plan_International_Canada_celebrates_I.jpg?w=400)
![Six diverse girl statues created by global child rights and gender equality organization, Plan International Canada, stand in defiant poses at CF Toronto Eaton Centre on International Day of the Girl, representing girls fighting for gender equality around the world. (Josh Fee/Plan International Canada) (CNW Group/Plan International Canada)](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/768091/Plan_International_Canada_Plan_International_Canada_celebrates_I.jpg?w=400)
- Two in three (66%) Canadian Girls have a female friend who has been sexually harassed.
- Only 16% of girls say they feel completely safe in public spaces.
- Three in four (75%) Canadian girls ages 14-24 report experiencing gender-based discrimination.
Yet despite these statistics, more than two in three (68%) Canadian girls say the #MeToo movement has given them a sense of hopefulness about the future of gender equality.
On International Day of the Girl, Plan International Canada is encouraging Canadians to post photos of themselves in a 'defiant' pose on social media, telling @PlanCanada how they will #DefyNormal for girls' rights and gender equality.
- Girls in Canada: Gender Equality Today – find the full survey report and data here.
- Additional media assets, including videos and photography available here.
About the Plan International Canada & Nanos Research Survey
Plan International Canada commissioned Nanos Research to conduct an online survey of 1,002 Canadian girls, between 14 and 24 years of age, conducted between August 30th and September 14th, 2018. Participants were randomly administered a survey online. The results were statistically checked and weighted by age and gender using the latest Census information and the sample is geographically stratified to be representative of Canada. No margin of error applies to this research.
About Plan International Canada & International Day of the Girl
Plan International Canada led the global movement to make International Day of the Girl a reality, garnering all-party support from the Canadian Parliament and the United Nations. Since 2012, we have celebrated it annually, igniting a global mass movement to amplify girls' voices, advocate for their rights, and elevate their position in society.
About Plan International Canada
Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children's rights and equality for girls. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and are now active in more than 70 countries.
We are calling on all Canadians to Defy Normal: to believe in the power and potential of every child and to take a stand anywhere children are oppressed, exploited or left behind and anywhere girls aren't equally valued.
Together, we can create a world where all unleash their full potential.
Visit plancanada.ca for more information and follow @PlanCanada on social media to #DefyNormal and join the conversation.
SOURCE Plan International Canada
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Media Contact: Meghan Francis, Manager, Media & Public Relations, Plan International Canada, +1 437 828 8757 | [email protected]
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