It's International Day of the Girl

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of the first International Day of the Girl:



“On this special day, let us reflect on the young girls around the world, girls like Malala Yousufzai in Pakistan, who are facing daily hardships such as violence, hunger and disease.



“Let their plight be an impetus to renew our commitment to helping provide young girls with the healthcare, nutrition, education and protection they need to live healthy, productive and happy lives.



“The Harper Government is committed to improving the lives of girls and women all over the world. Through projects such as the Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Canada is playing a leadership role in improving the health and saving the lives of mothers, children and newborns in some of the world’s poorest countries.



“We are also working on innovative food security, gender equality and education initiatives that are providing girls around the globe with a better quality of life.



“I encourage Canadians to celebrate, educate and empower girls and young women in Canada and around the globe.”