International Day of the Girl Acknowledged Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is joining community groups throughout the province in recognizing today, October 11, as the International Day of the Girl.

“The Provincial Government is committed to promoting equal treatment, support and opportunities for girls,” said Minister Johnson. “This year’s theme, Innovating for Girls’ Education, continues to support our work with the Atlantic Provinces on the Cybersafe Girl Initiative. Through this initiative, we play an active role in the protection and education of girls in creating awareness of Internet safety and cyber-violence, which continues to be an important issue for young girls today.”

Launched on this day last year, the Cybersafe Girl Initiative provides current, useful information and resources through a website and print material to ensure that girls, families and educators have relevant cyber safety resources at their fingertips.

The United Nations declared October 11 as the world's first International Day of the Girl last year.

Furthering the education of women and girls, the Provincial Government was a sponsor earlier this year of the skilled trades conference for women and youth, Exploring the Possibilities. The conference, organized by the Office to Advance Women Apprentices, brought together industry and employers, women apprentices, women active in skilled trades, and high school girls to engage and explore the opportunities available in Newfoundland and Labrador. The two-day provincial conference saw approximately 1,500 people participate to increase awareness and explore possibilities in the skilled trades.

“Our government is working to not only help young women be as safe and secure as possible, but also to help them see the many options that exist for them beyond high school,” noted Minister Johnson. “Through targeted initiatives like Cybersafe Girl and key strategic investments in the education of young women both in high school and post-secondary, we are aiming to ensure that women and girls have fair and equal opportunities to advance.”

For more information on the Cybersafe Girl Initiative, please visit www.cybersafegirl.ca

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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Program, Policy and Communications Analyst
Women’s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 631-9962
CherylGullage@gov.nl.ca 

2013 10 11                                     4:10 p.m.