International Day of the Girl 2024 in Canada

Count Yourself In to Support Girls and Gender-Diverse Young People in the Lead-up to October 11

Here are two actions you can take to mark International Day of the Girl:

Black and white portrait of girl looking at camera

1. Donate Today and Double Your Impact on Girls and Young People

By making a gift, you’ll support community programs throughout Canada that provide space for diverse girls to challenge gender stereotypes, build confidence and healthy relationship skills, and envision their full potential. Thanks to H&M, your gift will be matched until October 11, 2024.

Donate

2. Sign our petition to Senate to vote in favour of the Vote16 Act

Through the youth programs we support, girls and gender-diverse young people get engaged with the issues that impact them, like climate change, poverty, and discrimination. Together, let’s give them a voice in the democratic process and their futures.

Count Them In

Count Yourself In to Empower Diverse Girls
Throughout Canada

“I learned … to be courageous, to open up to others, to be direct, strong, sociable, to exchange opinions, and express myself.”

Girls' Program Participant, Learn More About Girls' Empowerment

What is International Day of the Girl?

Did you know that Canada led international efforts to establish International Day of the Girl Child? It is a day for championing the rights of girls to safety and equality, recognizing the barriers they continue to face, as well as celebrating their voices, actions, and advocacy for positive change. Together with you, the Canadian Women’s Foundation supports programs throughout Canada that give girls and gender-diverse young people the spaces and support to overcome barriers and recognize their full potential.

Discussion Prompts for You

Download the 1 page PDF

View the individual prompts

These cards are designed to be used one at a time to help you spark conversations with the young people in your life. You can use them in the car, at the dinner table, or on a walk-to help open up dialogue and ensure our kids feel heard, supported, and empowered. As parents, caregivers, and role models, we have the power to make a difference in their lives by having these conversations.

What Barriers do Girls and Gender-Diverse Young People Face in Canada?

Girls and young women face a higher risk of dating violence and sexual assault. Almost half (47%) of sexual assaults are committed against women aged 15 to 24. The rate of police-reported dating violence is about nine times higher for teenage girls than boys. Nonbinary young people report higher rates of dating violence victimization than their cisgender peers.
Mental well-being is a critical issue, with approximately 25% of girls aged 12-17 reporting symptoms consistent with mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for girls up to 14. It’s the second leading cause of death for girls aged 15 to 19 (Statistics Canada, 2022). In general, rates of suicide for Indigenous young people trend higher and, in Canada, are considered amongst the highest in the world.
Although girls in Canada often excel in academics, there is a notable gap in STEM fields. Women earn only 30% of all STEM degrees in Canada, indicating a gender disparity that begins early in the educational journey. Addressing barriers to girls’ participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is essential to closing this gap.
While girls may perform well in academics, this success does not always translate into leadership roles later in life. Women in Canada hold about a third (35.6%) of management occupations, and 30.9% of senior management level occupations, and only 6.2% of women-held board and management spots are held by women of colour, pointing to a need for early leadership development and empowerment initiatives.

Learn more about Barriers Faced by Girls and Gender-Diverse Young People

Donate to Empower Girls and Gender-Diverse Young People

Sign Our Petition to Senate to Vote in Favour of the Vote16 Act