Today is International Day of the Girl.
We recognize this day because "Twenty-five years ago more than 30,000 women from 200 countries arrived in Beijing for the
World Conference on Women determined to recognize the rights of women and girls as human
rights." (United Nations)
Think about this for a moment.
25 years ago wasn't that long ago.
In fact, I can remember 25 years ago.
And while my mom will tell me I'm so lucky to have the opportunities I've had (compared to being a girl in the 50s), and while my daughters are even more fortunate still ("Now's the time to be a girl!), there are still countless and disturbing issues around the world pertaining to girls' and women's rights.
In the Western world, we're still discussing equal pay and the sexual, reproductive and health rights of women. I can't even believe we're still talking about abortion and a woman's right to choose, and yet, to this day, the issue of abortion is front-page, Supreme Court news in the US.
And even more upsetting, in many parts of the world, girls are still being sold for early child marriage, being abused or mutilated for cultural reasons and treated as less than their male counterparts.
I have a responsibility, as a mom of girls.
You have a responsibility, as a mom of boys.
We all have a responsibility, as people: dads, sisters, grandparents, guardians, friends, neighbours.
We need to empower our children, not only to dream but to achieve. We need to challenge our systems and question why women and men doing the same job don't make the same amount of money. And when we get the answer, we need to say something. We need to fund education and awareness programs, so girls and women all over the world don't have to fear waking up every day.
Boys and men are part of this discussion, too.
We all have work to do.
I am pleased to partner with Girl Expo Canada in their mission to empower girls to discover their potential. Founded by Allison, a mom who realized her daughters needed more opportunities to discover and uncover their talents and passion, Girl Expo Canada is now in its 3rd year and growing.
The one-day event takes place Sunday, October 20 at the International Centre and features interactive technology, creative workshops, sports activities, performances, female role models and fresh ideas.
Attendees will have the chance to see notable Canadian athletes, television personalities and doctors in the Panel of Inspiring Women, as well as participate in sports events, theatre performances and displays all day long.
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, and I'm fortunate to have two family packs of 4 tickets to give away!
To win on Instagram, share this post, follow and tag a friend. Winners will be announced on October 17.
Good luck and Happy International Day of the Girl!
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