Surrey: On October 11, Global Girl Power marked the world wide movement to improve the lives of girls by hosting a community conference at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey. The conference featured a panel of local experts speaking in six areas of concern: Violence and safety, health, self-defense, girls and gangs, cyber bullying, education and empowerment. Education and empowerment in each area hailed as one of the keys to ensuring freedom & prosperity of females. “It is our job to make our soicety a livable place so our girls and women can live a life of dignity and respect without the fear of being harassed, abused or worst get killed.” Says Lucky Gill founder of Global Girl Power.
Event was a great success and along with local youth, parents & local organizations many dignitaries from all levels of government attended the conference.
Kal Dosanjh- a community Activist & law enforcement officer, gave his insight into Girls & Gangs and said the failure to adequately address the issue of youth entering gangs will have grave repercussions. The proliferation of girls entering the gang life, directly or indirectly, is alarming. It is absolutely imperative that these girls be given the resources and support services they need to leave these lifestyles
Violence and Safety issue was covered by Giselle Bobinski from Angel hands wellness and Lauren Johnson a Counsellor and Psychotherapist. Cst. Shylo Pruyn, Surrey RCMP gave valuable information of resources that are available within our city. Carol Todd, mother of Amanda Todd addressed the ciritcal issue of Cyber Bullying among teens. She talked about the importance of family dinner conversations and that parents should listen to kids without judgement. Parents needs to get educated and be proactive.
Madeleine Shaw – a Social Entrepreneur, Women & Girl’s rights advocate covered the topic of education and empowerment and told us how self esteem.
“What’s happening no matter who it is, where it is, it should be a priority for all of us to solve those problems. The biggest thing is having belongingness because if it’s happening in Africa or if it’s happening in India we tend to think it’s very far away, but we live in a world that is very interconnected right now,” says Navi Gill, the co-founder of Global Girl Power.
Closing remarks were delivered by the Officer in charge of Surrey RCMP Chief superintendent Bill Fordy
Maureen McGrath a Registered Nurse & Host on CKNW 980 shared her expertise on the importance of empowering adolecent girls about their health. With a passionate conviction she said she believes women hold the power to end the violence. She encouraged women to take a “SISTA” pledge meaning sisters inspiring sisters to achieve.
Panel moderator was Harpreet Singh. Partial proceeds from this conference were given to GGP’s local youth ambassador who had pledged to raise $5000 by December 2014 to provide a clean water resource to women in India.
