October 11, 2019
Province Recognizes International Day of the Girl
– – –Provides Period Packs for Girls in Need: Squires
The Manitoba government is commemorating International Day of the Girl today by supplying nine women’s resource centres with free period packs for the girls that access their services, Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for status of women, announced today.
“Our government values the important work and supports these community-led organizations provide to women and girls in need including access to feminine hygiene products that many women take for granted,” said Squires. “I am so pleased to celebrate International Day of Girl by increasing awareness of the importance of access to menstrual products. I hope that our gesture will begin a movement of others in providing support and discussing this important topic.”
The minister noted the province allocated $4,500 for period packs containing tampons, pads and deodorant for girls that are in need of supplies. The packs are being distributed to nine women’s centres across the province:
• Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre – Winnipeg;
• Interlake Women’s Resource Centre – Gimli;
• Lakeshore Women’s Resource Centre – Ashern;
• North End Women’s Centre – Winnipeg;
• Pluri-elles Manitoba – Winnipeg;
• Swan Valley Crisis Centre – Swan River;
• West Central Women’s Resource Centre – Winnipeg;
• Women’s Resource Centre – Brandon; and
• Women’s Safe Haven – (Flin Flon).
“All women should have equal access to feminine hygiene products. This is a basic need that many participants of our centre require, ask for and often do not have the financial means to buy,” said Cynthia Drebot, executive director, North End Women’s Centre. “This recognition of the need and donation will support North End Women’s Centre to continue to meet this need, and hopefully encourage others to consider donating as well.”
The United Nations declared Oct. 11, 2012, to be the first International Day of the Girl to provide an opportunity to recognize young women around the world as important citizens and powerful voices of change. Celebrations provide an opportunity to highlight the rights of girls, and to advocate for greater action and investment to enable girls to reach their full potential.
- 30 -