September 11, 2025

Letter to the Editor: Give girls the materials, tools and encouragement they need to make a better world

LETTER TO THE EDITOR — October 11 is the International Day of Girl Children. The theme for this year, put forward by the United Nations, is The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis.

While environmental degradation, global conflicts and social dislocations threaten all of us, there is ample evidence that girls have been especially vulnerable as they strive for education, health, a viable environment, economic security and a place of equality with all others in their communities.

We the undersigned encourage organizations and individuals in South Grey to mark the International Day of Girl Children by carrying out at least one additional action in October (or more if possible) to augment the wellbeing of girls, and to identify and thank and encourage at least one girl in the community (or more if possible) who is a leader in promoting family, neighbourhood, community or global wellbeing. As the United Nations has said, “Girls aren’t waiting for a better world, they are building it.” Let’s give girls the materials, tools and encouragement they need to make a better world for themselves and for all of us.

Joyce Hall, Coordinator, Grey Highlands Climate Action Group
Jenny Hanley, Founder, The Hanley Institute
Joan John, Founder, JunCtian Community Initiatives and Councillor, Southgate Township Municipal Council
Paul McQueen, Mayor, Municipality of Grey Highlands
Brian Milne, Mayor, Municipality of Southgate Township
Lynn Silverton, Chair, Grey Highlands Peace Committee and Chair, Canadian Sunflower Foundation

 

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