International Day of the Girl Child - Member's Statement

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the International Day of the Girl Child. As I stand here in 2018, we know that a girl born today anywhere in the world has fewer opportunities and faces many more obstacles than her male counterparts. According to the UN, women across the world face adversities that hinder their education, training, and entry into the workforce. They have less access to information, communication technology, and resources.

The UN women's site goes on to say that despite these barriers, girls are innovating technology to solve global challenges, standing up for their environment, raising their voices against violence, and preparing to run for office.

Here in Nova Scotia, where women are less likely to ascend to the boardroom or the Legislature, or even to have equal earnings of their male counterparts, and where we know that they're more likely to experience violence, discrimination, and mistreatment, the fight continues. It's a big part of the reason I'm here, Mr. Speaker, for myself, for my friends, for my sisters, and especially for my bright, tenacious, and spirited seven-year-old daughters. When I tell them they can do anything, I want them to believe it. And I want to believe it too.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Chester-St. Margaret's.