The International Day of the Girl Child is observed on October 11. I have two daughters and I like to think that I am providing them with everything they need to be strong, intelligent and confident beings. I know that my two girls have their basic needs met which makes their path to womanhood easier, in some ways. But it’s also my responsibility to instill in them a sense of global awareness, to know that they are part of a beautiful tapestry of girls and women the world over who deserve to be honoured and given opportunities for successful, healthy and fulfilling lives; we’re each a part of this circle of giving and receiving and children are never too young to understand their part in that.
Today I want to recognize 3 organizations whose mission is to uplift girls and women, on a local and global level. This is part of the #3ThingsThursday linkup hosted by Pink Chai Living, The Write Balance and Love Laugh Mirch. If you’re a blogger who wants to link up, simply visit one of their sites!
One: Deloitte Women of Influence Luncheon Series
This luncheon series showcases North America’s most influential and accomplished women; a keynote speaker shares her personal and professional stories to motivate and inspire the audience. On Tuesday October 27 at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver, Tamara Taggart – coanchor of CTV News at 6 – will be speaking. A working mom, cancer survivor and chair of BC Women’s Hospital “Hope Starts Here,” Tamara will share tips on how to meet the demands of a busy life while advocating for yourself.
I heard Tamara speak at Leading Moms in 2014 and found her personal story engaging and miraculous. It’s the kind of story that makes you evaluate your own life and priorities. Doesn’t that sound like something we could all use?
I’m teaming up with this event to give a lucky reader a ticket (worth $102)! It’s simple to enter – just leave a comment with the name of a woman (in your life, or someone famous, or from long ago) who has had a positive influence on your life. I’ll draw a name the old-fashioned way, and if you won I’ll send you an email! The winner must respond within 24 hours or another name will be drawn. You can enter until 6 pm PST on Tuesday October 20, 2015.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
Good luck!
Two: A Mighty Girl
I’m sharing this resource site because if you haven’t liked them on Facebook yet, you should! It is so refreshing and inspiring to have these positive posts show up in my feed. I love learning about heroes – young and old – who are creating legacies simply by being the brave, mighty and passionate beings they are. The site showcases ‘books, toys and movies for smart, confident and courageous girls’ and I guarantee you will love it. You don’t have to have a daughter to want to raise mighty girls. As adults we have incredible influence over the next generation in so many ways. You’d be surprised by how much simply believing in their potential can change the way they see themselves and the world. If you are interested in raising mighty girls – yours or the world’s – check out this site.
Three: Aga Khan Foundation Canada
For more than 30 years, AKFC has worked with Canada and Canadians to provide sustainable improvement to the quality of life for people in Asia and Africa. They have programs in healthcare, education, civil society and rural development which assist men and women regardless of faith or cultural background. I particularly like their policy regarding the education of females which is nicely summed up in this quote from their Facebook page: “Educate a girl, educate a family. Educating girls has a ripple effect that lasts for generations. Educated girls are more likely to marry later and have fewer children. Their children are more likely to survive, be better nourished and get their own education.”
Let’s keep working hard locally and globally so that girls can be girls – and live up to their every potential!
Hi Taslim! I would love to be considered for the luncheon 🙂 My Grandma Brajinder Dhillon has the most positive influence on my life. So much so that I made a film about her story. She is a surviver of the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 and so positive she has even written a joke book in Punjabi! The film is called Peace Daal & Partition if you are interested in checking it out. Thank you so much and have an excellent day! Paisley
Wow- this is such an amazing event! I would be honoured to attend. The woman who has positively influenced me is my dear friend Tatianna Buda. She is working towards become a lawyer and is aspiring to Canada’s next Prime Minister. If anyone can do it, she can. She constantly encourages and inspires me to shine as the brightest and most authentic version of myself. I am so thankful to have such an amazing friend and cheerleader.
Warm wishes,
M.
Hi Taslim!
Excited about this luncheon!
The most influential woman to me has been the late Audre Lorde – a Black, lesbian, feminist writer. Her book of essays “Sister Outsider” totally changed my life.
xo
Urooba
This is great! Jessie Allardyce – my best friend and my partner in crime. She has taught me so much and I always look up to her.
I would love to go to the luncheon! A positive force in my life has been Judy Brooks! She supported me in my move to Vancouver, and taking a big giant leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. She believed in me and also gave me a kick in the pants when I needed it. I have learned a ton from Judy, including the importance of taking care of YOU, putting health & family #1 and giving your very best to the things that are important to you! 🙂
I would love a chance to come to this event. I’d say Eden Robinson. She is one of my favourite authors, and I enjoy her focus on aboriginal mythology
The woman of influence in my life is my mom, who’s brilliance has been devoted mostly to raising her children. Now as she is older she spends all her time leading a non profit to help other parents’ children who suffer with eating disorders. She is the epitome of selfless.
Hi Taslim,
I would love to attend the luncheon. I am constantly inspired by my mother, Connie Tsang. We moved to Vancouver when I was less than a year old. At the time, my mother’s knowledge of English was basic and she was a stay-at-home mom. She hustled to take care of her family, performing all her motherly duties during the day, then attending Vancouver Community College at night to improve her skills. She eventually earned her real estate license and built herself a successful career in the industry. She’s now retired and every day I’m grateful for her dedication and hard work. I grew up never wanting for anything. Without her efforts, that would’ve never been possible.
Thanks!
Ooh how exciting! Cliché, but it’s defknitrly my mom, Kate Ross. Always stood up for herself and fought for what’s right.
I would say my long term bestie, Heather; she is an authentic, loving friend who always has my back! We’ve been through heaps together over our 20 year friendship and we always come out of it better, stronger women! So grateful to have her in my tribe!!
Margaret Tatcher!
I would be honoured to attend this luncheon! Thank you for the opportunity 🙂
My role model is a dear friend who is the epitome of female empowerment, unbridled strength and most of all, love: Chelsea Alexandra Prescod!
May she never see this post.
I cannot name one, so let me name many.
My mother, Kirsten (BFF), Mrs. McKinnon (Kindergarden/GR. 3 Teacher), Mme Gismondi, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Schumer, Kristen Wiig, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Elizabeth May, Canada’s National Soccer team. RONDA ROUSEY.
Any woman who has gracefully and powerfully stood in the way of adversity to become who they are without trivializing their passions.
Good luck!
My mother had the biggest influence in my life. She is strong and intelligent. She is my rock. I am so grateful to have her as my mentor.
This event sounds fantastic! I’d love to go. The most inspirational woman in my life is my mother, Genevieve Lai, who moved to Borneo from France in the 70s to be with my father despite enormous cultural differences, made countless personal sacrifices to support our family for two decades, and then at the age of 50, finally started training for her dream job and entered the world of entrepreneurship, in which she has since excelled. She’s truly lived the “never too late” motto, and her journey motivates me every day.
I would love to attend this event ! My mom is a huge role model to me she was a single mom for many years working 3 jobs to provide and to be able to leave an abusive marriage. She’s also a cancer survivor and one of the strongest women I know. She’s a fighter and a survivor !!!
My high school math teacher! She was such an inspiration to me, I don’t think I would have studied math in university if it weren’t for Sandy Miller!
There are so many many women who have earned this spot in my journey that I can’t possibly choose one! I recently started following yourself and a few other bloggers who have made an incredible difference in my life . By sharing our love, differences ,challenges , hopes, dreams and fears we help better shape our love for ourselves . I am grateful for the village of influential woman I have all around me !! Jourdane xo
Oprah is the woman that has had the biggest impact on my life. She gives great advice and gives back to many good causes! Recently I went through a very rough time and hers words of wisdom of “this too will pass” helped me get through it!
Meryl Streep 🙂
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love has had one of the biggest influences on my life. Her book changed the way I look at my self and my spirituality, and has influenced the entire direction of my life. <3