International Day of the Girl

 

 Tomorrow is the first ever International Day of the Girl declared by the United Nations with Canada taking a leadership role for implementation of this day in the recognition of girls around the world.   It's very important because for most girls in the world do not have the equal opportunities that most girls in say Canada have.

Equal opportunity for girls is good for all of us. 
Girls throughout the world face higher rates of violence, poverty, discrimination. In Canada, girls have higher rates of depression, sexual harassment and dating violence.
There is a growing recognition around the world that support for girls and their basic human rights is key for healthy communities.
Improving girls' lives has a ripple effect.  What is good for them is good for all of us.
This international day will promote equal treatment and opportunities for girls around the world in areas such as law, nutrition, health care, education, training, and freedom from violence and abuse.

Here are some startling facts we all should be aware of:

 Around the World ¹

• Around the globe, girls are three times more likely to be malnourished than boys.
• Of the world's 130 million out-of-school youth, 70% are girls.
• Each year roughly two million girls between the ages of 5 and 15 are trafficked, sold or coerced into the sex trade.
• Girls are disproportionately affected by a number of harmful practices, including early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
• Girls continue to face obstacles in access to education and other basic services. 

In Canada ²

• Young women from 15 to 19 experience nearly 10 times the rate of dating violence as young men.

• Nearly 70% of victims of internet intimidation are women or young girls.

• Girls and young women are nearly twice as likely as young men and boys to suffer certain mental health issues, such as depression.

• Issues of body image and self-esteem remain prevalent among girls. 

Another important fact is that in some cultures boys are preferred over girls which results in millions of unborn girls being aborted. 

Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Status of Women has posted these videos to drive some of those facts home. I highly recommend you watch them.

 She's Just a Girl     
Because I Am A Girl
  It's a Girl" Documentary - Official Trailer

I don't think that anyone of us can dispute the fact that we all need to stand up for all girls around the world.
Girls are precious and without girls there cannot be boys.   They need to be protected no matter the nationality, or where they live.

I applaud Ms. Ambrose being instrumental in bring this important issue to light and that she has taken a leadership role in the creation of The International Day of the Girl. 

We can honor our girls by supporting  Mark Warawa’s private member’s motion, condemning gender selective abortions. Call, write, contact your MP of whatever stripe to support this motion.

  It's for the girls!