[Oct. 11, 2024] Today is International Day of the Girl – a day we acknowledge the rights of girls and the unique challenges they face including barriers to education, food insecurity, forced child marriage, female genital mutilation, sexual violence and access to legal and medical rights.
Girls and gender-diverse youth are disproportionately impacted by the rising tide of political instability, violence, climate change, economic inequality, child sex human trafficking and all the devastating armed conflicts we see across the world.
The world’s conflicts and wars – whether in the Congo, Haiti, Chad, Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan or elsewhere – are fought at the expense of girls: their rights, their bodies, their education, their futures and their very lives.
The ongoing climate crisis also exacerbates these issues, with girls often being the first to lose access to vital resources like food and water, making them more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Despite these immense challenges, girls and gender-diverse youth continue to lead the way in creating positive change. Whether in their families, their communities, their nations or beyond, they are standing up as advocates, innovators and leaders, often at great personal risk.
I know so many incredible girls and gender-diverse youth, and they continue to inspire me with their courage, resilience and determination. These are smart, fierce and brave young citizens who not only stand strong in the face of adversity but envision a world where equality, justice and opportunity are within reach for all.
What we want for girls in Manitoba, we want for girls around the world: a safe and nurturing environment, connection to communities caring for them, access to quality health care and education, and the freedom to pursue their dreams.
We must continuously speak and stand up for girls here at home and across the world. We must be unapologetically relentless in building an equitable world.
To all girls in Manitoba, and beyond, your dreams and ideas are powerful. You are strong and beyond capable. You are transformative agents of change. You deserve every opportunity.
Don’t be afraid to lead, to speak up, take up space and to make your indelible mark on the world.
You are the future!
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