Girls Belong Here

To ensure the safety of all our participants, our Girls Belong Here Program is taking place virtually this year. Sign up today for this landmark program, and be part of a powerful movement that is making space for girls to learn, lead and thrive here in Canada and around the world. Now is the moment to support girls as they step into their power and help us build back better together.

The Girls Belong Here application for year 2021 is now open!

If you are a female-identifying youth in Canada between the ages of 14–24 and are ready to share your inherent power and help rewrite our society’s perceptions of what girls are capable of, submit your application by midnight (ET) on July 11, 2021. 

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Plan International Canada thanks our Girls Belong Here partners for their unwavering dedication to investing in girls at this historic moment

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In 2020, these corporations took part in CEO seat shares to celebrate international day of the girl

The Girls Belong Here program looked a little different this year, but our incredible partners and youth ambassadors rose to the occasion and met this historic and challenging year with resilience, creativity, and renewed passion. Girls and young women in Canada were propelled into leadership positions to demonstrate their potential and show that girls belong where decisions are being made.

For the third consecutive year, BMO, the Executive Sponsor of the Girls Belong Here Program, is participating in Seat Shares across Canada and the United States. For the first time this year, the Seat Shares are taking place in a Virtual setting to meet the moment. Antonio Novillo, Ernie Johannson and David Casper are stepping down to give three Plan Youth Ambassadors the opportunity to step up into their shoes for a day. The Youth will gain hands-on experience contributing to business discussions, participating in meetings and interacting with stakeholders. This strong commitment from BMO boldly reinforces their commitment to gender equality in their workplace.

Pfizer Canada welcomed Rupali, an undergraduate science student through the Girls Belong Here seat share program. During her virtual week at Pfizer, Rupali met with Pfizer Canada’s president, Cole Pinnow and connected with the Vaccines Team, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Community of Practice, and many other colleagues to learn about how they work. Rupali took the time to understand the way Pfizer operates and was able to provide a fresh perspective on their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, they highlighted the areas where Pfizer has already made strides in the right direction and provided insight on how they can continue to progress in representing women and young people everywhere.

EY Canada celebrated the International Day of Girl Campaign by participating in Seat Shares across 4 of the EY offices. Through the guidance of Alison Jackson, participating OMP leaders and Jad Shimaly, EY welcomed Eva, a fourth-year undergraduate business analytics student, to coordinate virtual 1:1 conversations with key coast-to-coast leaders. Eva engaged in discussions about what CSR work looks like at EY Canada, EY’s diversity and inclusion efforts, and their perspectives on the importance of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Reitmans celebrated International Day of the Girl by participating in the seat share and stepping up as the Official Clothing Sponsor. Youth Ambassador, Ommu, took on the role of Jackie Tardif, President of Reitmans. Ommu led discussions across the organization on gender equality in the workplace, made strategic business decisions and demonstrated what’s possible when girls can unleash their full leadership potential.

Dave McKay shared his seat with confident and well-spoken human rights activist Aiza as part of RBC’s initiative in advancing gender equality in the workplace. The day was fulsome with meetings, tours and breakfast discussions.

Youth Ambassador, Cecilia, with President of Loblaw Companies Limited, Sarah Davis, participated in their first seat share.

Jeff Leger, President of Shoppers Drug Mart, and Gurneet, Youth Ambassador, at the head office in Brampton, participating in a seat share.

President of Unilever Canada, Gary Wade, and Youth Ambassador, Emma participating in a seat share. Gary has shared his seat as CEO for the third year in a row!

President of IKEA Canada, Michael Ward participating in a seat share with Youth Ambassador, Taylor.

Frank Kollmar, President and CEO of L’Oreal Canada and Youth Ambassador, Hanna, taking part in a seat share.

Youth Ambassdor, Ha, with EVP Americas and Global Guest Innovation at lululemon, Celeste Burgoyne, at their seat share in Vancouver, BC.

Roy Gori, President and CEO of Manulife, participating in a seat share with Youth Ambassador, Cindy.

Norton Rose Fulbright’s Managing Partner, Charles Hurdon, participating in their second seat share with Youth Ambassador, Sanjam.

President of Pfizer Canada, John Helou (retired), with Youth Ambassador Dourra, in their inaugural seat share.

Universal Music Canada’s President and CEO, Jeffrey Remedios, participating in a seat share with Youth Ambassador, Raphaelle.

To learn more and register today, please email our Girls Belong Here Lead at girlsbelonghere@plancanada.ca

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