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girls empowerment
When the news broke that President Trump's administration might be ending the Let Girls Learn initiative -- a program that provides educational resources and tools to adolescent girls in underdeveloped countries -- there was an immediate outcry on social media. What reason could there be to end such an inarguably positive initiative?
On Wednesday, April 12, Prime Minister Trudeau will present that citizenship to Malala Yousafzai. For young women across our country, it will be a moment of pride and hope. Her fearless stand is something Canada applauds. But recognizing her passion is not all Canada is doing to improve the lives of girls around the world.
"Never doubt that you are valuable ... "
I've witnessed the power that water can bring to a community -- not hydroelectricity, but human empowerment. It happens when a single borehole is drilled deep into the ground, and a pump installed. Clean water becomes a source of hydration, refreshment and strength, freeing people up to do great things.
As Canadian girls grow up, they're told time and again that they can be whoever they want to be. The reality is far less ideal. Despite having more educational opportunities than ever, many girls are still confronted with violence and low self-esteem - sometimes with grave consequences.
International Women's Day is all about pausing to reflect on our achievements in the long-standing effort to create equality between men and women. For over a decade, Beyonce has been singing about girls and women being independent. However, when I found out last month that the megastar and girl power proponent was calling her tour the 'Mrs. Carter Show' I thought I was going to short circuit.
