OTTAWA, Sept. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, and Minister of Status of Women encouraged all Canadians to mark their calendars for both Women's History Month (October) and the first-ever International Day of the Girl on October 11, 2012!
The theme for this year's Women's History Month is Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start.
"I invite everyone to commemorate the first-annual International Day of the Girl by celebrating girls in their communities, across Canada and around the world," said Minister Ambrose." "The International Day of the Girl will provide an opportunity for girls to have a greater understanding of their rights, to exercise them and to become leaders in Canada and beyond."
Canadians are encouraged to take an active role in celebrating International Day of the Girl by participating in, or organizing activities to celebrate the girls and young women in their communities. For more information on Women's History Month and the International Day of the Girl, or to send an electronic postcard to promote the International Day of the Girl, please visit www.dayofthegirl.gc.ca.
Backgrounder
Canada's Role: Establishing the International Day of the Girl:
February 2011: Minister Ambrose meets with a delegation of girls from Plan International/Plan Canada at the United Nations and is presented with the concept of creating an International Day of the Girl.
March 8, 2011: The Government of Canada announces its intention to support the establishment of an International Day of the Girl.
March 24, 2011: House of Commons gives unanimous support to a motion that Canada should lead an international campaign at the United Nations for an International Day of the Girl.
October 11, 2011: Minister Ambrose calls upon member states to support the proclamation of an International Day of the Girl during an address to the United Nations' Third Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs.
December 19, 2011: Resolution designating the International Day of the Girl is formally adopted by the UN General Assembly.
October 11, 2012: First International Day of the Girl in Canada and around the world is celebrated.
Image with caption: "In this picture: The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women accompanied by Ms. Sarah Govan, Board member of Girl Guides Canada, and local Girl Guides at an announcement in Ottawa last spring. (CNW Group/Status of Women Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120919_C7652_PHOTO_EN_18121.jpg
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
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