These Canadian leaders are showing the world that girls belong in their dream jobs

Earlier this month, a group of inspiring girls from across Canada took to social media and issued a bold challenge to Canadian leaders. Together, they asked CEO’s, lawyers, politicians and even the Prime Minister to share their offices and let a girl step into her dream job for International Day of the Girl.

The challenges come as part of #GirlsBelongHere – an annual initiative to celebrate International Day of the Girl by supporting girls to take on leadership positions and engage in spaces where females are traditionally underrepresented.

This year, girls are hoping to help bridge the “dream gap” – a combination of barriers, such as harmful gender stereotypes and discrimination – which can prevent girls from achieving their dreams and reaching their full potential.

Since the girls issued their challenges, we’ve seen an incredible wave of support from Canadian leaders who are all proudly declaring that #GirlsBelongHere!

Meet the leaders, and see some of the exciting roles our youth will step into for a day:

Justin Trudeau

Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party

Navdeep Bains

Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Gary Wade

President and CEO of Unilever Canada

Pamela Alexander

CEO of Remax Canada

Indira Naidoo-Harris

Minister of the Status of Women

Dr. Deborah MacLatchy

President of Wilfrid Laurier University

Caroline Riseboro

President & CEO of Plan International Canada

Robert Witchel

Executive Director of Jays Care Foundation

Irwin Elman

Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth

Cheryl Hickey

Host of Entertainment Tonight Canada

Harjit Sajjan

Minister of National Defence

Celebrating International Day of the Girl

This year, girls around the world are raising their voices for equal opportunities. In fact, 500 girls from over 60 countries will be filling the roles of mayors, prime ministers and presidents to mark the 6^th annual International Day of the Girl.

Follow the excitement on social media through our hashtag and help us declare that #GirlsBelongHere!

And if you’re interested in taking on your dream job for a day, download our toolkit which is filled with tips for hosting and leading your very own #GirlsBelongHere experience.

DOWNLOAD THE TOOLKIT!