Why Girls?

Despite advances over the years, girls and young women still face pressures - new and old - that limit their potential from early on. These pressures can cause girls to stifle their talents, seriously undermine their self-esteem, and create barriers to their success.

• Girls are increasingly bombarded by highly-sexualized images and imperatives
• More and more girls are experiencing feelings of depression and stress
• Half of Canadian girls are subjected to violence
• Many girls are hindered by poverty, especially those already marginalized
• Many girls lack mentors, support services, and resources that they can relate to

Girls Action Foundation understands why girls’ lives are complex and focuses on empowerment. We support young women to face their challenges by building on their strengths. Young women have a lot to say about making the world a better place - if they are given tools, space, and encouragement. Research and our experience show that girls who are recognized for their achievements and encouraged in their abilities give back to their communities.

For more information on WHY GIRLS, please read our brochure attached below.

Girls Action Foundation proposed that it was time to flip the script on the discourse surrounding girls and young women, and launched the Why Girls? resources to walk us through the maze.

These resources are easy-to-use tools that offer fresh perspectives and add girls' voices to the current discourse surrounding girls and young women. Grounded in girls' realities, these tools are designed to support educators, parents, girls' programmers, the media, and anyone who would like to know more on how to address these topics in a positive and pro-active way.

Read, print and share these tools by clicking on the banners below.