Statement from Minister Lang on International Day of the Girl Child

Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate Laura Lang has issued the following statement:

“October 11 marks International Day of the Girl Child, an opportunity to celebrate girls across the Yukon and the people and organizations helping them build confidence, develop skills, explore new opportunities and see what is possible for their futures.

“This year’s international theme is End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights. Here in the Yukon, we can be proud of the many organizations creating meaningful opportunities for girls and young people.

“Girl Guides in the Yukon creates opportunities for girls to develop leadership skills, spend time outdoors, explore science and technology and contribute to their communities. Yukon Women in Trades and Technology helps girls and gender-diverse youth see themselves in skilled trades and technology through hands-on programs such as Power Up! and the Youth and Women Exploring Trades Conference.

“Yukon Women in Mining is helping women and youth learn more about careers in the mineral sector and see women represented in an industry where they have historically been underrepresented. Yukon Women in Music creates another kind of pathway – connecting women and emerging musicians through workshops, performances, mentorship, JamFest and community programming across the territory.

“These programs give young people opportunities to try new things, meet mentors and role models, build real skills and imagine themselves in careers and spaces where they may not always have seen women represented before.

“Creating opportunity also means creating safety. Through our work to prevent gender-based violence and implement Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy, we are working with partners to address the barriers and violence that continue to disproportionately affect Indigenous women and girls.

“None of this work happens through government alone. It happens because volunteers give their time, mentors share their experience, organizations create spaces where young people can learn and belong and families encourage girls to pursue their interests and ambitions.

“As we recognize International Day of the Girl Child, I want to thank everyone across the Yukon who is doing that work. Most of all, I want to celebrate Yukon girls themselves – for their curiosity, creativity, courage and leadership. We want every girl in the Yukon to grow up knowing that her ideas matter, her ambitions are worth pursuing and there is a place for her in whatever future she chooses.”