Minister Ambrose at the United Nations for First-ever International Day of the Girl

NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today participated in inaugural International Day of the Girl celebrations taking place at the United Nations.

"I am proud the Government of Canada led the international community in establishing an International Day of the Girl," said Minister Ambrose. "Today we recognize the achievements of girls and young women around the world and celebrate them as leaders from the start."

On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted a resolution designating October 11 the International Day of the Girl.

At the United Nations, Minister Ambrose participated in a variety of activities, including a panel discussion on the theme, "The Girl Child: Protection from Violence, Exploitation and Abuse," an event in honour of Plan Canada and Plan International's global launch of their Because I am a Girl campaign, and a panel with UN officials on the issues and challenges facing girls throughout the world.

Minister Ambrose is accompanied at the United Nations by 15-year-old Canadian student Alaina Podmorow, Canada's Honourary Youth Ambassador for International Day of the Girl.

October is Women's History Month in Canada. In honour of the first-ever International Day of the Girl, the theme for Women's History Month is "Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start." For information on International Day of the Girl and Women's History Month 2012, go to women.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada