Statement by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, on the occasion of the 1st International Day of the Girl

OTTAWA, Oct. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister for Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today issued the following statement on the occasion of the first International Day of the Girl:

"Today, October 11, I encourage Canadians to mark the first-ever International Day of the Girl by celebrating girls in their communities, across the country and around the world.

"I am proud to have championed this initiative, leading the Government of Canada and the international community to establish the International Day of the Girl. Through our leadership, world-wide momentum has grown to ensure girls get the recognition they deserve. Our government recognizes that strong girls help to build a strong Canada—a nation that is safe and prosperous.

"I am also proud of the young women and girls across Canada and around the world that answered the call for a day to celebrate the potential of girls and raise awareness of the challenges they face.

"This week in Pakistan, a young girl named Malala was shot in the head and neck by the Taliban because she believes that girls have a right to go to school.

"The message of this day is simple: girls' rights are human rights; the sooner in life girls know their rights, the greater the chance they will be able exercise them and to become leaders in Canada and around the world.

"I extend my very best wishes for a happy International Day of the Girl."

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada