TDSB Celebrates First-Ever International Day of the Girl

Last March, the United Nations declared October 11 the International Day of the Girl to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face around the world. Together with the Canadian government, Plan Canada’s Because I am a Girl initiative successfully led the charge and created this day to recognize the importance of girls’ rights globally.

In celebration of the inaugural International Day of the Girl, the TDSB's Young Women on the Move organized an event where hundreds of students from grades 3 to 6 came together to learn about issues facing girls and to celebrate the women in their lives who inspire them. Students heard from female mentors and participated in workshops exploring issues such as self-esteem and body image. MP Roxanne James and TDSB Chief Academic Officers Sandy Spyropoulos and Roula Anastasakos addressed the group and shared what this day means to them. Students also took part in Dove Self-Esteem Activities led by Lisa Naylor, Dove workshop facilitator and counsellor/health educator.

This important day puts a spotlight on the unique challenges girls face and gives them the recognition they deserve as powerful agents of social change in their own lives, and around the world.