Patricia Sands

Author

International Day of The Girl

I’m late! I’m late!

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I’m feeling a bit like the White Rabbit in Alice In Wonderland today! Tomorrow it will be a week since we arrived home from France but it feels like that happened yesterday. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.

Photo credit: Pinterest
Photo credit: Pinterest

I feel terrible that I completely missed the International Day of The Girl, but I also know that these initiatives carry on through the year. If you missed it like I did, it’s not too late to go to the Facebook page and raise your hand in support of education for girls. Go ahead … do it photo9321now … I’ll gladly wait … and share it with your friends. Thanks! Why should some girls be denied the privilege of education that we are so fortunate to have in most parts of the western world?

Last evening I had the good fortune to attend a talk given by the intrepid journalist, author and human rights activist, Canada’s own, Sally Armstrong. For decades she has spent time in some of the most war-torn parts of the world working towards improving the rights of women and girls. She is a powerful and engaging speaker and has recently published Ascent of Women, with its hopeful message that the world is indeed changing thanks to women raising their voices.

Much of her talk last evening was focused on Afghanistan, as she was the guest of  Oakville-based Canadians In Support of Afghan Women . Funds raised went to support the Lantern Fund, a teacher training initiative, organized by the not-for-profit Canadian Women For Women In Afghanistan.   These women are a force to be reckoned with ! (It’s okay to end this sentence with a preposition … I checked … )

Click here to read an article about the evening.

As always, Sally’s message was inspiring and this particular aspect resonated with me. She spoke of how young women in Afghanistan are taking hold of change in their country, against terrible odds and great danger. And they are making progress. One small way we can help to show these brave young women and men (… yes, they are actually being successful in having young men join their fight for change!), is by liking their Facebook page, Young Women For Change,  and helping to share their message. Once again, social media is helping to strengthen a cause. Click here for their website. Be part of it!

And not to forget … If it’s Friday, it must be France …

They just don’t make windows like they used to!

Nice-PSandsPhotos
Nice-PSandsPhotos

Are you busy catching up with “stuff”, like I am, or do you have a nice relaxing few days planned? Whatever the case, I wish you a bon weekend!

 

Oct. 11 – International Day of The Girl

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Last December, the United Nations’ General Assembly officially designated October 11 as the International Day of The Girl. This Thursday, Canada and nations around the world will focus on raising awareness of the particular challenges that girls face and implement plans to take action.

Girls will be recognized as powerful agents of change and as leaders of today and tomorrow, and girl-specific issues will be highlighted.

The Canadian government led the resolution at the UN and over 100 member nations have already pledged their support. Individually we can all show our support in many ways and most easily by spreading the word and getting involved. Let’s face it, we women know how to communicate!

Every girl is someone’s daughter. Let’s make all daughters proud by honouring them and working toward gender equality and girls’ rights everywhere on this planet.

Here are some excellent links for more details on the subject. Please pass the information on and see how you can get involved with whatever your community plans for this landmark occasion.

Status of Women Canada

Plan International

Because I Am A Girl – Fabulous site! Join them on Twitter and Facebook right here!

Day of the Girl.org

I’m proud to be a member of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. I urge you to consider becoming involved in one of their innovative programs.

As a women’s foundation, we specialize in helping women and girls move out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence.

 CWF MISSION

We invest in the power of women and the dreams of girls. The Canadian Women’s Foundation raises money to research, fund and share the best approaches to ending violence against women, moving low-income women out of poverty and building strong, resilient girls.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada, what better time to be reminded of our own good fortune and the struggles of others, near and far. We are in this life together so let’s pay it forward in whatever ways possible.

Here’s the challenge dear readers – UNLEASH THE POWER!