Girls Belong Here

This year, our Girls Belong Here Program is shifting to a digital platform to meet this historic moment. Though we may face unprecedented challenges, we are committed to this landmark program, our incredible partners, our fearless youth ambassadors and to achieving global gender equality. Sign up today, and give girls in Canada the chance to step into your position for the day, giving them space to lead while also learning from their unique perspectives and experiences. Now is the moment to support girls as they lead us toward a better tomorrow. Seize this moment, take a stand, and declare that Girls Belong Here.

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.

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