Premier, Minister Celebrate Girls as Leaders

October is Women’s History Month throughout the country, and this year’s theme, “Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start,” celebrates girls’ roles and achievements, and recognizes the challenges and opportunities for girls throughout Canada.

“This year’s theme for Women’s History Month, allows us to honour the girls who are an inspiration as they lead the way in communities throughout our province,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “As a government, we continue to strongly encourage all girls to pursue leadership opportunities. Whether as a volunteer on a committee, a member of student council, an entrepreneur, or a member of a sports’ team – girls are helping to shape the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

According to a United Nation’s resolution declaring October 11 as the first International Day of the Girl Child, empowering girls requires their active participation in decision-making processes and the support and engagement of their parents, families and care providers, as well as boys and men and the wider community.

“Although there is still work to be done before women and girls share equitably in the benefits of society, women in Newfoundland and Labrador are increasingly at the forefront of their communities,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. “With more and more women partaking in leadership roles throughout the province, this is certainly an inspirational time to be a girl in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

For 20 years, Women's History Month has helped empower women and girls by showcasing the vital role they play in communities across Canada, as well as how they have helped shape Canadian history. It was proclaimed by the Federal Government in 1992 in recognition of the anniversary of women becoming persons under the law in October 1929.

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