11 Oct International Day of the Girl

Today, Oct. 11, is International Day of the Girl, a time to talk about issues concerning gender equality facing young women.

This year’s theme is Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030, promoting initiatives for young women to take on their unique challenges and harness their potential.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to encourage young women to aspire to become leaders in their communities,” said Kelly Regan, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act. “International Day of the Girl is an opportunity to speak out for equality, empower girls to reach their dreams and help build a better future for all women and girls.”

A group of young women from East Preston started the Young Women of Excellence Initiative to discuss issues that are important to them and their community. The initiative is part of the East Preston Empowerment Academy, which seeks to empower members of the community with the skills, tools and confidence to fulfill their lifelong dreams. The group is fundraising for a trip to Ottawa in November to share their stories on the national stage.

“Today is the International Day of the Girl, a day to celebrate and encourage all our girls and pray together for them to realize and embrace the greatness that is within them,” said Rev. LeQuita Porter, pastor, East Preston Baptist Church. “I pray for confidence, boldness, fierceness of purpose, awareness of greatness and contagious enthusiasm to fully realize and operate in their God-given purpose, and that all girls may activate their full potential and realize their dreams in this world.”

The Young Women of Excellence Initiative are hosting an event today to share their stories about the challenges they face in their community.

Several events are happening across the province to celebrate International Day of the Girl, including the Pictou County Women’s Centre girls’ leadership camp at Sumac Farms on Oct. 11 and the YWCA Halifax girls’ leadership gathering on Oct. 14.

For information on International Day of the Girl events, follow Status of Women on Twitter and Facebook @StatusofWomenNS.

For information on events during Women’s History Month visit women.gov.ns.ca/events-calendar .