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News Release

Canada Celebrates Adoption of 'International Day of the Girl Child' by United Nations

December 19, 2011

OTTAWA –The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today welcomed the designation by the United Nations  of October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child.

"I am proud that the Government of Canada has led the international community in establishing  this day," said Minister Ambrose. "Meeting girls from Canada and around the world has inspired me to champion this initiative through the United Nations. I believe the earlier in life girls understand that girls’ rights are human rights, the more empowered they will be."

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said "this day will provide an opportunity for the world to show leadership and play a role in raising awareness of girls’ rights. The full participation of women and girls is an important feature of a strong and vibrant democracy." 

"This day will draw global focus to barriers to survival and development that girls face because they are girls," said Rosemary McCarney, President and CEO of Plan Canada. "It’s also a day to celebrate the power and potential of girls. When a girl is educated and her rights are protected, she can forever change the lives of those around her, and the future of her nation."

In Canada, the International Day of the Girl will celebrate girls as powerful agents of change within their families and their communities. It will also focus on ways to empower girls to reach their full potential and overcome barriers that get in their way.

On March 24 this year, the House of Commons gave its unanimous support to Canada leading this international campaign. Earlier this fall, Minister Ambrose travelled to the United Nations in New York to campaign for this initiative  at the UN Third Committee. The resolution designating the International Day of the Girl Child was formally adopted by the UN General Assembly today.

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For media inquiries only, 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

For all other inquiries, please contact:

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

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Date Modified:
2011-12-19