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Speaking Notes for The Honourable Rona Ambrose, P.C., M.P. Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women at the Women's Symposium – on the occasion of an event to celebrate the International Day of the Girl with the city of Edmonton and the Announcement of Results of Edmonton projects – Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed CFP

Edmonton, Alberta
Tuesday, October 9, 2012

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Thank you, Mayor Mandel, for that kind introduction.

Honoured guests, city officials, ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, I am delighted to be here today to help launch local celebrations for the first International Day of the Girl!

It is now only two days away and like everyone who has worked hard to make International Day of the Girl a reality, I feel an amazing sense of accomplishment when I say these words.

However, the ones who should be the most proud are the girls and young women who started it all, who dared to imagine that an International Day of the Girl might be possible.

It was their vision that inspired the level of international commitment that made this day a reality!

Some of these girls came from countries where raising your voice can put you in grave danger. They showed extraordinary courage in speaking out against injustice, especially on behalf of those without a voice.

It was my honour, as Canada's Minister for Status of Women, to lead the call to the United Nations to proclaim this day.

International Day of the Girl will allow us to shine a light on girls' lives, on the sometimes overwhelming challenges they face and on their enormous potential for positive change in our world.

A world in which gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, forced labour, homelessness, illiteracy, forced marriage, poor nutrition and ill health are devastating realities for millions of girls and young women.

Despite major progress on many fronts, girls and young women still face barriers to leadership roles but the tides are turning.

Women make great leaders! That is the message of the Protégé project, which pairs city councillors, serving as mentors, experts and facilitators of meaningful experience, with aspiring young women who have set their sights on a political career.

As a woman politician and veteran of four federal elections, I can guarantee that there will be many challenges ahead for these young women.

But judging from the determination, eloquence and steely resolve of the ones I have met today, they can overcome these challenges.

Alberta women have a history of overcoming great challenges. I am talking, of course, about the Famous Five.

On October 18, 1929, after much legal debate and many years of hard work, the Persons Case decision was handed down and the Famous Five celebrated a legal victory that changed the course of history for Canadian girls and women.

That is why, each October, we celebrate Women's History Month in Canada.

It is an opportunity to raise awareness of women's and girls' extraordinary contributions to our country, from the earliest days to the present.

This year's theme, in honour of the International Day of the Girl, is "Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start."

I want to take this opportunity, while you are all here, to tell you about two exciting new projects in Edmonton that will help set the stage for girls and young women to succeed.

Both of these projects will have a significant and lasting impact on the participants, their families and their communities.

The Canadian Council of Muslim Women, Edmonton Chapter, will receive support for a project to empower local girls and young women to overcome barriers and become leaders in their communities; and

The Edmonton Multicultural Coalition Association will receive funding for a project that will assist local girls and young women from diverse ethno-cultural communities to maximize opportunities and participate fully in Canadian society.

I am proud to be part of a government that believes that when girls and boys, women and men are treated with equal dignity and respect, we all benefit.

Thank you and happy International Day of the Girl

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Date Modified:
2012-10-09