Canada Day on July 1st is more than just a sunny day off every year – it’s also a time to recognize the great things about being Canadian. To celebrate Canada’s birthday, we checked in with 4 girls from our very own Because I am a Girl Speakers’ Bureau. We asked them what it means to be a girl in Canada, and why they are proud to be a girl in Canada. 

1. Hana

To me, being a girl in Canada means that I can: 

Guide and support other girls. I can 

Inspire others. I am able to 

Rely on the fact that I am an equal, and I will always 

Love myself

2. Jasmit

Back in India, the education of boys is more valued than girls, because boys are culturally portrayed as the bread earners. To be a girl in Canada means that I am able to break free from these cultural norms and pursue a career. I am proud to be a girl in Canada because when I compare myself with girls back in India, I have been given the gift of equal opportunity to achieve my dreams, irrespective of my gender.

3. Diviya

As a girl in Canada, I think the most important aspect is that we have equal rights and freedoms as boys. I am proud to be a girl in Canada because I have the right to education without any fear of punishment or my safety. If Diviya looks familiar to you, that’s because we’ve featured her in our blog before! 

4. Steffanie

Being a girl in Canada means we still have a long way to go. We still need to fight for equal pay for equal work, and to help abolish double standards for men and women. I am proud to be a girl in Canada because of where our plight has brought us today. Women are not owned by their husbands or fathers, and have control of their bodies and reproductive rights.