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News Release

Canada Gathers Support for International Day of the Girl

October 12, 2011

OTTAWA – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women will return today from New York, where she led an intense two-day campaign to garner support for the proclamation of September 22 as International Day of the Girl.

"I am delighted by the enthusiasm for an International Day of the Girl," said Minister Ambrose. "Under Canada's leadership, momentum is growing for a worldwide effort to ensure girls get the recognition they deserve – as citizens and as powerful agents of change within their families, their communities and their nations."

In an address to the United Nations' Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs Committee), Minister Ambrose called on member states to support the proclamation of an International Day of the Girl. She reiterated her call at an event with Plan Canada and Plan International, partners in the "Because I Am A Girl" campaign.

"Plan wholeheartedly supports this call to the UN from girls around the world for a day that would be theirs to own," said Rosemary McCarney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Plan Canada. "Girls are facing unique and urgent challenges that are not being addressed. An International Day of the Girl will be a powerful way to inspire investment and action so girls everywhere can reach their full potential through better health care, better education and improved quality of life."

Ms. Leymah Gbowee, Liberian peace activist and joint winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, has stated her passionate support for an International Day of the Girl.

If adopted by the General Assembly, an International Day of the Girl could be declared by this fall. A delegation of girls from Plan Canada introduced the idea to Minister Ambrose at the 55th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at United Nations Headquarters in February 2011. Plan International is promoting the establishment of an International Day of the Girl to raise global awareness of the unique challenges facing girls, as well as the key role they can play in addressing larger issues of poverty and development.

In March 2011, Canada's Parliament unanimously adopted a motion requesting that Canada take the lead at the United Nations in the initiative to proclaim September 22 the International Day of the Girl.

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For more information, please contact:

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

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

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Date Modified:
2011-10-12