A special Message from The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister for Status of Women
International Womens Day 2011 Poster
Hey Girl Guides of Canada!
Thank you for letting me contribute to your blog on this very special occasion, the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day.
As Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders, and Rangers, you celebrate and promote “Girl Greatness” everyday! I applaud the great work you are doing across Canada through your National Service Project Empowering Girls. I would also like to commend the incredible women across the country who commit their time and generosity to making organizations like Girl Guides possible.
All across Canada, Canadians are participating in activities for International Women’s Week. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to take part in the ‘Walk in Her Shoes Campaign‘ which recognizes that women and girls throughout the world may walk as many as 8,000 steps a day to carry out their household chores; the campaign challenges Canadians to walk an equivalent number of steps over a week leading up to International Women’s Day. The ‘Walk in Her Shoes Campaign’ aims to raise awareness of the daily challenges facing women and girls in some of the poorest countries in the world.
Today I will be meeting with women entrepreneurs and young women who want to start their careers in the technology industry. I’ll also be learning about women’s health and equality and speaking to my colleagues in the House of Commons about the importance of International Women’s Day. Finally, at an event with young women, I’ll be announcing Canada’s intention to support a United Nations resolution to establish an International Day of the Girl, sometime later this fall.
This year, Canada chose its theme for International Women’s Day to be Girls’ Rights Matter because girls face some incredible barriers around the world that need to be overcome. I believe that a girl who enjoys equality has a greater likelihood of being self-confident and aware of her own potential, and of being empowered to access education and job opportunities that will contribute to her success. As Girl Guides, you share the spirit of initiative, leadership and volunteerism, which is very rewarding to you and your peers.
As you know, women and girls make a positive difference in every part of society, and make a nation smart, healthy and strong. I believe that when girls have a solid foundation from which to spring, with the right tools and conditions, they can truly soar to new heights. Girls are a key component to a nation’s prosperity and can be tremendous leaders if given the opportunity.
Today on the occasion of International Women’s Day, I hope you can participate in an activity and celebrate the progress being made and great potential for women and girls in your communities.
By, The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women
Rona Ambrose was first elected as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Spruce Grove in 2004. Re-elected in 2006 and 2008, she has held several positions in Stephen Harper’s Cabinet. In April 2010, she was named Minister for Status of Women while retaining her responsibilities at Treasury Board and the Minister’s Regional Office.
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