Feburary 4, 2009
OTTAWA- The federal government is pleased to support Equal Voice/À voix égales as it launches Experiences, a partnership project to attract girls and young women to the democratic process. The announcement was made by the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), at the Métropolitain Brasserie Restaurant during a welcome-back reception hosted by Equal Voice/À voix égales for the women members of Canada's 40th Parliament.
The project will focus on increasing the democratic participation of girls across Canada by introducing them to role models and mentors, nurturing their political literacy, and inspiring them to become the political leaders of the future.
"If we are to have more women in public office, we must spark their interest while they're still young - ideally, between 12 to 18 years of age," said Minister Guergis. "As part of the Experiences partnership initiative, young girls will be able to speak to political mentors from all parties and from all levels of government to learn about how they can become actively involved in democratic institutions and in political life."
"Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada and Minister Guergis," said Ms. Donna Dasko, Acting National Chair of Equal Voice/À voix égales, "we can build gender equality in public office through strategic early intervention, knowing that the girls of today will step forward as the leaders of tomorrow."
Equal Voice/À voix égales will receive $1,208,404 over 28 months for Experiences. The project will increase democratic participation among girls and young women by:
- introducing girls aged 12-18 and young women aged 18-25 to positive role models and mentors; and,
- nurturing their political literacy and inspiring them to become political leaders in the future.
Funding for the Experiences project comes from the Women's Partnership Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada.
Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Elyse Newbert
Special Assisant, Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4000
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
