Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start Canada celebrates Women's History Month 2012 and the first-ever International Day of the Girl
October is Women's History Month in Canada, an opportunity for Canadians to educate themselves about women's and girls' valuable contributions to our country's history – and to the quality of our lives in the 21st century.
The world's first International Day of the Girl provided the inspiration for Women's History Month 2012. Throughout October, Canadians will have the opportunity to learn about girls' contributions to our country, as well as the challenges and opportunities they have faced, from the earliest days to the present.
The theme for Women's History Month 2012 recognizes the important roles that Canadian girls have played as leaders and innovators throughout our history. From community activists to hockey players, entrepreneurs and inventors, girls have been Leaders from the Start.
There is also a growing recognition around the world that support for girls and their basic human rights is a vital ingredient in healthy communities. In other words, Strong Girls will help build a Strong Canada, one that is safe, innovative and prosperous.
On December 19, 2011, the United Nations declared October 11, 2012, the world's first International Day of the Girl. This day aims to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women as citizens and powerful voices for change within their families, their communities and their nations. The Government of Canada led the international community in establishing this day.
Read on for more information on this year's theme and suggestions for commemorative activities.
Throughout history, women have left few records of their lives. For those who did, many of their stories have been forgotten. This is particularly true for the stories of Canadian girls.1
Yet the lives of girls, as children and as future women, are closely linked to our social fabric; they both reflect and influence life in our communities.2 As Canadian historian Norah L. Lewis wrote:
... historians have put the lie to notions that women ... have no history. More recently, they have discovered that childhood also has a history ... Not only does childhood have a history, but children have historical voice.3
Lewis went on to assert that "[c]hildren both make and participate in history. Until recently, however, their role has been largely ignored by historians."4
It makes sense, therefore, to fill in the gaps in our history by exploring and sharing the roles and achievements of Canadian girls. In doing so, we can also explore the challenges and opportunities girls have faced that are different from those facing boys.
Finally, focusing on the historic contributions of girls in the same month as the first annual International Day of the Girl is a serendipitous opportunity that is too good to miss! It's high time to celebrate Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start!
Merna Forster, 100 More Canadian Heroines – Famous and Forgotten Faces (Toronto: Dundurn Press, 2011), p. 19.
Norah L. Lewis, Ed., "I want to join your club" – Letters from Rural Children, 1900-1920 (Waterloo, Ontario: Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 1996), p. ix.
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Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start
Talk to others (students, family members, friends) about the importance of celebrating Women's History Month and the first-ever International Day of the Girl.
Learn about the many changes that have occurred in the lives of girls and women over the past 100 years – by reading a book or a magazine article or by watching a movie or a documentary on a notable girl in Canadian history.
Share with others what you already know about significant contributions that girls have made – or that a particular girl in your community has made.
Write an article, letter to the editor or blog post about Women's History Month.
Plan a reception, luncheon or educational event that honours women who, as girls, made a difference to your community.
Participate in Women’s History Month events in your community, your school or your workplace.
Investigate your family tree and discover the interesting girls and women among your own ancestors.
If you are in a book club, suggest that members read a book by a girl, or about girls, in Canadian history.