U of G Celebrates First International Day of the Girl
October 04, 2012 - News Release
The University of Guelph will mark the International Day of the Girl Oct. 11 with an event for Guelph students in grades 10 and 11. The day will celebrate “what it means to be a girl” and examine issues from diverse perspectives and contexts.
The United Nations General Assembly has designated the date beginning this year as an annual opportunity for discussing gender stereotypes, discrimination, and opportunities for girls and women.
Emily Perreault, special projects manager for U of G’s BetterPlanet Project, said: “This will be an annual event that engages resources from the University community as well as other local agencies that facilitate and mobilize social change to enhance the human rights of girls and women across the globe.”
Event highlights will include keynote speaker Kim Crosby, artist, activist and facilitator, who will discuss “what it means to be a girl.” Crosby was recognized last year as a City of Toronto Cultural Champion.
Workshop topics will include life as an aboriginal girl, impact of social media on perceptions of women and girls, and body image and self-esteem.
Other highlights will include a video and music installation, displays by community partners and two theatre skits with teenaged actors.
Liz Sandals, MPP Guelph-Wellington, and Laurel Broten, Ontario’s minister of education and minister responsible for women’s issues, will attend the U of G event.
Maureen Mancuso, U of G provost and vice-president (academic), will welcome participants to Peter Clark Hall.
“We hope to celebrate and empower girls to realize their dreams,” said Lori Stobbe, manager, Continuing Education and Business Development, and organizer of U of G’s International Day of the Girl.
To register and for more information, visit: www.uoguelph.ca/dayofthegirl/.
Contact:
Lori Stobbe
Manager, Continuing Education and Business Development
Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support
519-824-4120, Ext. 53133
lstobbe@uoguelph.ca
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Shiona Mackenzie, Ext. 56982, or shiona@uoguelph.ca.
