International Day of the Girl

Dena, Toronto

Dear younger me,

If I could tell you one thing, it would be: You already have everything you need inside of you. Trust yourself. Trust your own mind, instincts, opinions and heart. Lots of people will have ideas about how you should be, what you should think and feel, what you are capable of and what is beyond you. Don’t let that sink in. Let it roll right off your back and keep moving. Keep growing and getting brighter, brilliant girl.

Much love,
Your older self

Mehak, Toronto

Dear Mehak,

There is a fire in you, and I know you feel it. It will light the path forward; so you can see clearly. I must caution you, it isn’t easy to feed the fire. It can burn. It will burn. You'll see, there is no success without failure and happiness without grief. So don’t fear the fire. Let it burn, you’ll be fine. You’ll be more than fine. You'll be everything you dream of and more. Thank you for believing in me.

Love,
Future you

Melissa, Toronto

Dear younger me,

I know the last thing you want right now is any advice from anyone, let alone an adult. But I am you, and hopefully you will take this letter as words of wisdom.

People will tell you to enjoy your youth, you’ll have lots of time to “live adult” with too many responsibilities to count. But I get it, being an adult looks great from where you are standing. Get a job with a salary so that you can live comfortably and have no one to tell you what to do… Let me tell you, no matter how “adult” you become, the more you make, the more you want, the more responsibility that comes with it. And there will always be someone to tell you what to do. You will learn with time to ignore some of those voices, but adulthood may not be all that you are imagining it to be right now.

Don’t get me wrong, becoming an adult will be a beautiful journey, but it is important to approach the journey with a balance of idealism and realism, belief in yourself, being humble and open, being authentic, graceful, and grateful, taking educated risks, trusting your intuition, and having no regrets. Use your voice for good and stand up for what you believe in. Make sure to laugh a lot, love, and live whole-heartedly. This will be a beautiful journey, trust me, I know.

With love,
Your older self

Larissa, Toronto

Dear younger me,

Wisdom that I would impart to my younger self: Even though you can count on your fingers the times you’ve seen people who look like you on the trails, you have a right to be here. Your ancestors were explicitly denied their rights to accessing Earth and her gifts of medicine, sustenance, language, community, history, connection, and nurture your love for being outside and having a closeness to Earth. This relationship will make you a more determined advocate for Her rights, which are directly intertwined with your own.

Catherine, Toronto

Dear younger Catherine,

The path ahead will be full of joy and at times, sorrow. Know that you have within you, the strength and grit to get through it all – and know that there will be much more laughter than tears. The world is a challenging and wonderous place. Be patient and stay true to your sense of self. Listen to your head and your heart and use the gifts you have to build a life that brings you happiness and fulfillment.

Embrace change – there will be a lot – and know that a strong circle of friends and family, nurtured well, will always be there to support you. Find your own personal Board of Directors. They will never steer you wrong and they will be your anchor as you navigate the world. Finally, don’t rush through life. Take time to explore, to play, and to spend time with the people who lift you up and celebrate you.

Lovingly,
older Catherine

Tehsin, Toronto

If I could tell my 10-year-old self one thing, it would be to embrace your identity and not be scared to take risks - that's when you really start living your life and discovering who you are!

Sandy, Ottawa

When I was younger I was told that I, as a Black girl, would constantly face resistance and that I should just keep my head down to avoid causing problems.

In short I believed that something was wrong with me. With little to no representation, I believed the lie to be true.

Today I know that I am good enough the way I am, just because I am. And that's what I want my girls to know. Furthermore, every girl should know that she can be anything she wants to be.

Lindsay, Toronto

Don’t be afraid to stay true to yourself and advocate for your values and beliefs. Never be afraid to speak your mind, take the lead and challenge the status quo. Seek mentors, learn from them and pass it on. I can’t promise that the journey will be easy, but I can promise that as long as you hold onto your dreams and passions, you’ll be unstoppable.

Goody, Toronto

If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: Be more patient about the things you really want, accept that it may take a longer time to achieve them, and enjoy the journey of making progress.

Something I know now that I wish I understood sooner is: That giving up control and focusing on ways I can positively influence situations at work and in life is the most powerful way for me to succeed, grow and be happy.

I've experienced many challenges and barriers in my life, and what kept me going was: Persevering, being optimistic, and thinking creatively with others about ways through and around the inevitable challenges life presents you.

My message to girls and young women everywhere is: Yes you can! And the world needs your talents, voices, and leadership more than ever!

Leah, Mississauga

You are worthy just as you are! You will find your place and your people and will flourish with the gifts you hold. Embrace yourself!

Bianca, Newmarket

My message to female-identifying, non-binary and young folks everywhere is give yourself moments of grace whenever you can. Life is hectic and messy. Make sure to allow for moments of peace in between all the chaos. I always like to remind myself that we’re on a floating rock anyways right?

Jen, Courtice

Don't cry dear Jen, when it looked easier for the boys to get the job, it was. All of your sad tears of feeling not being good enough were unwarranted. You were always good enough, if not better. The system is/was not designed for you to succeed. Know that you will have to fight and that's okay, it will make you strong. Keep going, keep striving, be an activist. Equal rights is a muscle, if you don’t use, you lose it, so keep advocating for yourself, for the future of your amazing daughter, and for all the daughters out there around the world. We only succeed in equality if we can all succeed.

Katie, Ottawa

If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be You can use your voice. Trust your instincts and use your space. Don't worry about being LOUD, or disrupting the peace.

Jesus, Toronto

Just live your life and don't think about what others will think. Follow your heart

Sam, Toronto

There are a few people I'm not sure about yet, but the ones you love the most get better. You don't cry when you listen to "Moments" by One Direction anymore :)

Tanya, Canning Nova Scotia

My message to girls and young women everywhere is "don't be afraid to take up space". You have just as much right as anyone else to be here, to have your voice heard. You are important and what you have to say matters. ♥️

FJ, Toronto

I want to tell my 14-year-old self that being a little bit different from other girls is okay. You'll have a more wonderful and colourful queer life than those who are "normal." It's okay if you're not good at math or dressing yourself up, as you'll be more knowledgeable and fashionable in future. Be confident and be yourself, please. I know you'll keep doubting yourself, and you'll probably do this until the end of your life, but I wish you could trust yourself more because you're already very brave. Growing up is hard, I understand. You'll eventually escape those you hate and find your new life elsewhere.

Gillian, Halifax

I want to tell my younger self that she has value just by being herself, and it's not connected in any way to her looks, weight, clothes or possessions. Also, that I love her, and hope she can love herself too.

Meredith, Toronto

I wish I could tell my younger self to not care what others think and be yourself because being different is an asset in life.

Sujata, Toronto

Be confident in who you are. Don’t be afraid to ask for a seat at the table and get what you deserve. Take risks and the world is your oyster!

Julie, Toronto

'If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: Life gets harder, but your ability to manage obstacles will greatly surpass each challenging phase. Something I know now that I wish I understood sooner is: Self-confidence comes with time and experience -- be patient! I've experienced many challenges and barriers in my life, and what kept me going was: My inner voice telling me that I am worthy of love, respect and that I deserve everything I'm willing to work hard for in life. My message to girls and young women everywhere is: You are enough.

Jemimha, Windsor

If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: I'm proud of you. Something I know now that I wish I understood sooner is: You can achieve anything in life, it's never too late. I've experienced many challenges and barriers in my life, and what kept me going was: As long as you keep going, you'll keep getting better. My message to girls and young women everywhere is: You don't need to wait for others to change... be the change!

Katya, Toronto

Girls are the future! If we give girls power we give power to the whole world. We should stand by them and be their voices. If I could tell my younger self one thing that would be to stand up for my goals and don't let anything to hold me back. Something I know that I wish I understood sooner is I can be succesful as people I see in power, and even though I am woman -- the sky is the limit. I've experienced many challenges and barriers in my life, and what kept me going were my dreams and passion. One day I want to make this world much beautiful place for future generations. Girls, you are amazing! Don't ever forget it.

Cris, Vancouver

If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: You are important. Something I know now that I wish I understood sooner is: You don't have to care about others' expectations. I've experienced many challenges and barriers in my life, and what kept me going was: This will pass and the world is capable of improvement. My message to girls and young women everywhere is: Believe in yourself! Trust yourself! You are incredible people!

Clara, Calgary

Don't be so eager to grow up, take your time to enjoy every phase of your life. I've experienced many challenges and barriers in my life, and what kept me going was: Perseverance! My message to girls and young women everywhere is: You can do anything you really want to do.

Kitty, Dublin

Not everyone has your best interest at heart -- be your own champion! You have everything you need to be safe and happy -- you don’t need to wait for other people to provide those things. When things get tough, know that you are learning and getting even better at facing challenges, and I PROMISE it will not always be so hard. To girls everywhere: Be your own champions!

Jay, Toronto

Message to my younger me: Be kind (to others and to yourself), be curious and ask lots of questions (if you are thinking it, so are others). Be calm and remember to breathe, and know that you are whole, perfect, strong and powerful. Now that I wrote this down, I think that it's some pretty good reflection to my current me too!

Anjali, Toronto

If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be to always remember I am enough and I can achieve anything I put my heart and soul into, no matter what anyone tells you.

Clara, Toronto

My message to girls and young women everywhere is you are strong, capable, brave, and resilient. Never let anyone take that power away from you. Keep your head held high and walk forward with certainty. Your courage will move mountains, so be bold and take up space!

Hannah, Toronto:

My message to girls and young women everywhere is: never let your voice be silenced. You have important things to say and do not be afraid to say them. Find your voice through whatever means necessary whether it be writing it on social media, talking to others, or shouting it from the rooftop. Your voice can be through art, sports, academics, or anything else you have a passion for. Your voice is powerful and it can move mountains, do not let it be silenced. You have the power to speak goodness into this world and you have the power to change the world, no matter how big or small.

Isabella, Richmond Hill:

If I had a megaphone that could reach every girl and young woman in the world, I would tell them that their lives are theirs and not anyone else's.

Don't lower your voice because "girls should be gentle." Gentleness is how we treat others, not the volume of our voice.

Don't reject that new job because "you can't handle it." Chase your dreams and don't doubt yourself based on any social construct.

Don't blame yourself when men hurt you. Your hurting is valid and never because you wore that dress or went to that party.

You are so much more than what others think. You are so much stronger than you believe you are. And you can change the world in ways no one can anticipate.

Older Persons name 3

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Aya, Oakville

If I could tell future me one thing, it would be...

I hope that regardless of who or where you are, you have used all in your ability to pursue the endeavours and successes you have dreamed of in face of discrimination and struggles you have endured. Most of all, I hope that the world you experience and live in is one where young women and girls are unafraid to do what they love – where they are encouraged rather than placed under society’s limits. I would want nothing more than to know that somewhere in the future, girls across the globe are raised in uplifting environments without worry of security or being diminished in their pursuits. If you have grown into the person I have envisioned myself to become, I trust that you have utilized your voice to create tangible impact in the world around you. I hope that you are a confident and happy woman who has navigated academics, the workforce and personal life with great resolution and balance. Furthermore, that you have fought against and overcome the discrimination perpetuated onto young women and women of colour in your path to success. I wish you all the best.

Felicia, Surrey

If I could tell future me one thing, it would be that don't be afraid to stand out. Your unique experiences are unlike anyone else's. No one can invalidate your choices and desires because they have no power over who you are your dreams, hopes or desires. You may feel like a fish out of water and that is alright; that feeling means that you are challenging yourself. The passions you have don't necessarily align with those around you and your journey cannot be dictated by anyone else except for you. Try new things, and don't depend on others to guide you because the mistakes you make will then be fully yours and fully yours to grow and learn from. Don't let anyone tell you that your goals aren't worth it or are too impossible. If there's anything you've learned so far from your experiences at Girls Belong Here, is that the stars are only the beginning and there are galaxies to explore beyond. Let your hope and optimism for a better future guide you as a changemaker. Empower those who feel intimidated, uplift those who are deterred and never fear being an individual because your voice matters either way.

Victoria, St. Thomas

Dear Prime Minister,

Or is it addressed Madame Prime Minster?

Or Victoria Gallacher J.D. ?

My hopes and dreams for the future are to achieve and accomplish the consistent thought that has been on my mind since grade three: to be an active member of government generating real change for my community. I have been in a privileged position to have grown up in an environment where my local, provincial, and federal representatives have been female at one point or another. I have never once doubted my position in the field, thanks to the amazing representation that I have been exposed to. My goal is to encourage and inspire the next generation of girls to engage in the political and legal fields the same way these incredible women have done for me. For underrepresented groups in this field, it is essential to make the landscape more accessible, equitable, and to create a community of empowerment. The amplification of these voices is essential for creating fair policy and an overall stronger Canada. Do not lose your passion or your voice. My message is to take your seat at the table unapologetically. I hope we are there together.

Anuarite-Ange Nshimirimana, Montreal

My hopes and dreams for the future are to have a world in which it is the norm to have women fill spaces in leadership roles and the standard to have their voices heard, represented and accepted in all spaces. Having the ability to be seen as someone who deserves to be in professional spaces is something that so many of us are currently battling for. As someone who has many ambitious dreams and goals that I aspire to achieve, I know that having a good group of mentors is helpful in your journey. Having people you can look for guidance or can look up to for inspiration helps you understand where your need to be to persevere in life. Looking back, my character and strong self-belief pushed me to reach for opportunities that were not presented to me, however, it is comforting to have a team of people doing that for you. However, I know that the person I would be in 10 years is going to be surrounded by a sea of people congratulating her for her achievements. Remember that you belong in any space you want to occupy.

Ada, Winnipeg

My message to girls and young women everywhere is that you shouldn't be afraid to use your voice. Speak for those who can't speak and make sure you talk about what you want for this world. Don't mind the judgement and rise above. We are the leaders of our own world and we need to use our voice.

Alisha, Oakville

My message to young girls and young women everywhere is to never sell yourself short. Always believe that your goals are attainable, because you have the potential to reach them. Never let your fear and self-doubt be the reason you don’t pursue an opportunity. Always have that faith and confidence in your abilities, because that will take you far in life.

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Nulla a laoreet felis. Praesent varius nunc sed pharetra consectetur. Vestibulum mattis molestie quam, eu aliquam urna malesuada eu. Morbi vel egestas nulla. Vestibulum tempus turpis vel nibh convallis egestas. Fusce pellentesque fringilla nisl. Fusce eget auctor erat. Fusce enim tellus, mollis consequat tempus non, sollicitudin quis odio. Nam euismod ullamcorper hendrerit. Integer eu efficitur mi, vel dictum enim. Ut sollicitudin tortor eu nibh pellentesque, et laoreet nisi tincidunt. Mauris placerat cursus tortor, ut mollis nulla. Aliquam sit amet ex lacus.

Mauris in pulvinar erat. Aliquam imperdiet enim eleifend justo venenatis mattis. Cras ac dolor ante. Aliquam nulla lorem, malesuada ut tempus gravida, fermentum ut urna. Maecenas et vestibulum metus. Quisque blandit nec ipsum a tincidunt. Nullam volutpat orci nibh, non lobortis sapien ullamcorper in. Etiam ac enim felis. Quisque dui elit, accumsan a nunc ut, pretium vulputate odio.

Older Persons name 111

Nulla a laoreet felis. Praesent varius nunc sed pharetra consectetur. Vestibulum mattis molestie quam, eu aliquam urna malesuada eu. Morbi vel egestas nulla. Vestibulum tempus turpis vel nibh convallis egestas. Fusce pellentesque fringilla nisl. Fusce eget auctor erat. Fusce enim tellus, mollis consequat tempus non, sollicitudin quis odio. Nam euismod ullamcorper hendrerit. Integer eu efficitur mi, vel dictum enim. Ut sollicitudin tortor eu nibh pellentesque, et laoreet nisi tincidunt. Mauris placerat cursus tortor, ut mollis nulla. Aliquam sit amet ex lacus.

Mauris in pulvinar erat. Aliquam imperdiet enim eleifend justo venenatis mattis. Cras ac dolor ante. Aliquam nulla lorem, malesuada ut tempus gravida, fermentum ut urna. Maecenas et vestibulum metus. Quisque blandit nec ipsum a tincidunt. Nullam volutpat orci nibh, non lobortis sapien ullamcorper in. Etiam ac enim felis. Quisque dui elit, accumsan a nunc ut, pretium vulputate odio.