Toronto – Advancing gender equality involves having more women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals in positions of leadership. A young person’s sense of self-esteem and body confidence can significantly influence their ability to take on leadership and decision-making roles later in life.
Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $1.5 million for Plan International Canada’s project, Promoting the Power Within and Redefining Beauty: Uprooting Systemic Barriers to Equity in Leadership.
This investment will build on the momentum from the first phase of the project by scaling up successful approaches to address negative body talk. By focusing on underrepresented young women, girls and gender-diverse youth, this project will help to address the root causes of gender inequality in Canada.
On International Women’s Day on March 8, it is important to highlight the value of making investments that move the needle forward on gender equality; one of the most effective ways to build healthier, more prosperous, and more inclusive communities for everyone.
“We cannot strengthen our economy and champion inclusivity without investing in young women, girls and gender-diverse youth. Today’s investment will help Plan International Canada in nurturing the next generation of young leaders. Let’s continue building a Canada that puts gender equality at the forefront our communities, our institutions, and our economy” – Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, and MP for Hamilton Mountain