It is estimated that there are some 1.1 billion girls in the world today. With the right encouragement and support, each and every one of them has the potential to achieve amazing things. The International Day of the Girl is an opportunity for us all to think about what we can do to foster greater success for the girls in our lives, and to lift up those across the globe who continue to face barriers, such as poverty, unequal access to education and health care, discrimination and gender violence.
To all the girls among us, I encourage you to study hard, to dream big and to add your unique voice and talents to the ongoing work of building your community. To the teachers, mentors and advocates who are dedicated to creating a better life for girls, here at home and around the world, please accept my heartfelt thanks for your tireless commitment to turning today’s girls into tomorrow’s leaders.
Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani AOE, B.Sc. LLD (hon), Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
October 11, 2021