WOMEN, LET'S TAKE OUR PLACE!
With the generous support of Canadian Heritage and LUSH cosmetics, we are thrilled to support youth-led social change across Canada. Launching March 4, 2019, Women, Let's Take Our Place! (Femmes, Prenons Notre Place!) is Girls Action's newest national program aimed at increasing youth participation in Canadian political and community life.
Focused on young women's leadership and civic engagement, this project commemorates the centennial anniversary of British women gaining the right to vote in Canada as a means to highlight groups of women who have traditionally been disenfranchised in Canada; how women from different communities won the right to vote; and how this disenfranchisement has caused barriers to political participation that still exist.
Girls Action selected social change project proposals from 17 young women and non-binary youth representing Quebec, British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia, who want to create positive change in their communities. After completing a six-week, bilingual civic engagement and leadership training, each participant will receive a micro-grant of up to $1,000 to support the implementation of their project. Here is a peek at their project plans:
Rochelle, Surrey, British Columbia
Camp We Empower: Workshops and youth empowerment initiatives.
Arezoo, Newmarket, Ontario
A day-long project of professional development opportunities and leadership activities for young women in Newmarket.
Nayaelah, Ottawa, Ontario
Creation of a Safe space and social programming for racialized and newcomer female Muslim youth between the ages of 15-25.
Parnian, Toronto, Ontario
A platform for youth-led education and awareness on sexual and reproductive health rights.
Alexandra, Victoria, British Columbia
Open-access workshops that combine themes of food security and social activism.
Cloée, Montréal, Québec
A workshop on current social issues and civic engagement.
Sinthusha, Saint-Laurent, Québec
Customized banner pens that would allow women victims of domestic violence to have direct access to resources that will help them.
Asmaa, Etobicoke, Ontario
Asia Speaks: A platform that aims to bring awareness on issues that matters to youth.
Asha, North York, Ontario
An educational workshops for Somali female youth through a mentorship framework.
Naira, Calgary, Alberta
Creative, kindness workshops for both children, youth, and adults.
Aamna, Calgary, Alberta
Creating art that will raise awareness around sexual assault and domestic violence.
Mackenzie, Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia
Leading after school programs for students and increasing accessibility by providing transportation.
Marine, Montreal, Québec
A cultural festival related to Hip Hop culture and community.
Lourdenie, Terrebonne, Québec
A collection of recyclable and non-recyclable waste in the city of Montreal with emerging and emerging artists
Fama & Ernithe, Montréal, Québec
My Mental Health Matters: Remove mental health stigma from diverse youth.
Charlotte, Québec, Québec
Project Alpaca: A day of physical activities, promotion of healthy lifestyles and outdoor activities for children in vulnerable situations in and around Quebec City.
Mentorship is also an important component of the training. A group of carefully selected Canadian women leaders will guide participants as they develop their project plans. The mentors include:
*Selena Lu, President of the Youth Chamber of Commerce
*Aminka Belvitt, Founder and President of the ForUsGirls Foundation
*Asmaa Ibnouzahir, President and Founder of Institute F
*Gabriella ''Kinté'' Garbeau, Founder of the Racines bookstore in Montreal
*Gabrielle Bouchard, President of the Fédération des Femmes du Québec
*Nelly Bassily, Project Officer, DAWN Canada
We know that, with access to the resources, opportunities, networks, and mentors they need to realize their full leadership potential, girls and young women can be the leaders of social change in their communities, and the world.
To meet the participants and hear more about their plans to create positive change in their communities, make sure you're following Girls Action on Instagram: @girlsaction_fillesdaction.
Women, Let's Take Our Place! offers:
Leadership
All participants will take place in a total of six, free online trainings offered by Girls Action. Some of the themes that will be covered include: Leading with confidence, communication and awareness raising, budget and fundraising, anti-oppression and overcoming obstacles, and more.
Mentorship
Each workshop will be in the form of an online course and will include the participation of successful women leaders from marginalized communities across Canada who will inspire and mentor the girls, and share advice for community project success.
Scholarship
After completing the civic engagement and leadership workshops, participants will receive a Microgrant of up to $1,000
to carry out a project. Girls Action encourages creativity and will accept all formats for projects: events, online projects, documentaries, educational projects, awareness campaigns.
This project is funded by Canadian Heritage.
