Vancouver, BC – On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Ms. Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, today announced Government of Canada support for a project to develop leadership skills and reduce the risk of violence among girls in Surrey, British Columbia.
"Our government is pleased to support projects that call on all Canadians – women and men, girls and boys – to work collaboratively to end all forms of violence against women," said Minister Ambrose. "We are proud to partner with the YWCA on this promising new project, which will empower girls preparing to move from elementary to high school to take charge of their lives, contribute to their communities and realize their full potential."
"This innovative new project, which aims to reduce violence against girls and turn vulnerability into empowerment, will have a lasting impact on participants, their families and the Surrey community,’’ said Ms. Young.
The YWCA Metro Vancouver is receiving $259,550 from the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada for its Leadership Program for Girls in Surrey. The project will develop leadership skills among Grade 7 girls who are preparing to enter high school in a challenging urban environment where gender-based violence poses a significant risk to their safety and ability to succeed. With the support of local grassroots organizations and community leaders, and with the engagement of parents, the YWCA Metro Vancouver seeks to empower and reduce violence in the lives of these young girls.
For over 100 years, the YWCA Metro Vancouver has worked to foster economic independence, wellness and equal opportunities for local women and girls. One of the city’s largest non-profit organizations, the YWCA Metro Vancouver works to create a healthy community by providing programs and services to over 50,000 people each year.
"We are pleased to have the support of the Government of Canada for this project in Surrey, which is inspired by the success and the best practices of two other programs underway in Vancouver," said Janet Austin, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Metro Vancouver. "The new project for Grade 7 girls will use a unique intergenerational and intercultural learning model that includes mentorship, youth volunteers, education on issues affecting girls and awareness training. This groundbreaking program will address girls’ concerns about entering the complex world of high school, examine issues of gender and violence against women, and help the girls to define attitudes and behaviours that are fundamental to healthy relationships."
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government’s support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, growing from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever.
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For media inquiries only, please contact:
Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421
For all other inquiries, please contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
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