Executive Council
October 10, 2014

Promoting Equal Opportunities

International Day of the Girl Focuses on Empowering Young Women and Eliminating Violence

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is recognizing tomorrow (Saturday, October 11) as the International Day of the Girl. This day promotes equal treatment and opportunities for young females in areas such as law, nutrition, health care, education, training, and freedom from violence and abuse.

This year’s theme, Empowering Adolescent Girls: Ending the Cycle of Violence recognizes the importance of investing in and empowering young girls, and of preventing and eliminating the various forms of violence they experience, including online abuse. One important tool recently developed to combat this growing form of violence is the Cybersafe Girl Initiative, which focuses on creating awareness and preventing cyber-violence being perpetrated against young girls.

“Violence against young girls is reprehensible, and everyone has a role to play in ensuring girls grow up in a violence-free environment. Cyber safety is of growing concern for everyone, and we must help protect those who could be victimized online by increasing awareness of safeguards against online abuse and appropriate responses, should it occur.

The Atlantic Provinces’ Cybersafe Girl Initiative is a great tool which offers many resources for educators, parents and guardians in recognizing the risks and trends associated with social media and raises awareness of Internet safety.”
-The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Through the Violence Prevention Initiative, the Provincial Government is committed to educating and raising awareness of cyber-violence against all vulnerable populations, including young girls.

QUICK FACTS

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is recognizing Saturday, October 11, as the International Day of the Girl.
• Information on the Cybersafe Girl Initiative is available at www.cybersafegirl.ca/ .
• Information about the Violence Prevention Initiative is available at www.gov.nl.ca/vpi/ .

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Media contact:

Sara Norris Program, Policy and Communications Analyst Women’s Policy Office 709-729-6225, 631-9962 saranorris@gov.nl.ca

2014 10 10                                            12:10 p.m.