BPW Calgary received recognition by the Federal Government of Canada through Minister Rona Ambrose for launching a campaign in October to mark the World’s first International Day of the Girl… the only BPW club in this nation that was singled out through a media release at the Status of Women Canada.
The evening started with music by Kirsten Collins, Miss Teen Calgary, Canada who wished to use her platform to expose injustices affecting children and was followed by two student presentations: (1) Value of Mentorship by Jennifer Le, and, (2) Modern day slavery by Iman Abdulla. Read more at BPW Canada.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Ursula Steele, principal at Alice Jamieson Girl’ Academy shared the Datnow research and Distinguished guest Pat Cochrane, Chair of the Board of trustees from CBE discussed the inherent value of each student. BPW member and engineer Dana Bjornson inspired students to dream big and follow their career aspirations.
In Canada, it is tempting to say that girls are empowered but it is not that simple. We are definitely shining in the area of education. Women have actually reached or passed equality whether it is primary, secondary, high school, college or university education.
We are also doing well with having reached equality in the proportion of men and women who work. We have a longer healthy life expectancy and the number of female babies born is just slightly less than male so in the area of health and survival, we are outperforming. (See Statistics Canada for the full report.)
But there are definitely areas that need work. For example, we only earn 73% of what men earn for similar work and we occupy less senior level and government positions. So we need to close that gender gap in the economic and political arenas.
Click here to find out about the Equal Pay Day campaign in Calgary.
In Canada, girls have higher rates of depression, sexual harassment and dating violence. In Canada, nearly 70% of victims of internet intimidation are girls and young women, and issues of body image and self esteem continue to remain prevalent amongst girls. This is very disturbing and we will continue to raise awareness and bring attention to these issues through education and training.
Our keynote speaker, Jennifer Martin, President and CEO of TELUS Spark, will share how her overall vision of a next-generation science centre altered the long-standing model of science centres. Jennifer’s leadership and courage to ignite change in our community led to the completion of the first new purpose-built science centre in Canada in over 25 years. Learning has changed dramatically in the last 20 years and the 
As we ring in the new year, many of us reflect on the past and plan for the upcoming year. We consider changes we want to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.
2012 marked the centennial anniversaries of the Calgary Stampede, the City of Calgary Recreation, the Calgary Public Library, Pumphouse theatre, and others. The programs and events hosted by these organizations have had a real impact on our lives as Calgarians. With our city being designated as the Cultural Capital of Canada, seize the opportunity to join BPW Calgary, in our role as a cultural ambassador, to dream big and honour the richness of Calgary’s cultural resources.
Dinner Speaker and Blanket Drive