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ABOUT US

OUR STORY

Girls Action was founded as a start up in 1995 by three young women fresh out of school with an entrepreneurial spirit. We had no funding and no limitations.

 

Accessible to underprivileged girls, POWER Camp (as it was called then) encouraged girls to discover their power and create positive change in their lives and communities. Really listening to girls was the cornerstone of our success. Young women facilitators built trust with the girls. Girls came out of their shells and got smart about topics like media, discrimination, health, violence prevention, and body image.

 

Soon communities across Canada were contacting us, eager to exchange. We realized that with so many people wanting to make a difference for girls, a national organization could create a ripple effect benefitting even more girls. The founders of Girls Action imagined a strong force of girls’ initiatives across the country, and that is precisely what was built.

 

Since 2003, the Girls Action Network has grown from 20 to over 300 members in every province and territory. Girls Action has been a catalyst – seeding and training over 100 start-up girls’ programs. Today, together with local partners, Girls Action builds the skills and confidence of girls from coast to coast, including inner city, remote, and Northern communities.

HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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INNOVATION

Our programs tackle the most relevant and important questions that concern girls and young women.

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LEADERSHIP

We support the development of girls' and young women's leadership by facilitating access to resources, to a network of mentors, as well as developing new skills.

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INCLUSION

We reach out to girls and young women that need it the most, everywhere in Canada: 90% of our participants come from marginalised communities, either in the North, remote areas or in urban environments.

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CHANGE

We encourage the understanding and breaking down of all barriers, especially the ones of poverty, racism and violence.

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CREATIVE FORCE

Our work encourages the reinforcement of girls' and young women's empowerment in their everyday lives and communities.

“Girls have an innate ability to be change-makers. They just need a strong support system, willing and respectful adults to work with, and the freedom to take space to be seen and heard.” 

IMPACT STORIES

—  Andrea Canales-Figueroa, Vancouver BC

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Welcome to GAF's New

Executive Director

Andi Vicente

With an extensive background in social justice, community organizing, and advocacy, particularly in LGBTQIA+ newcomer and immigrant communities, Andi Vicente (they/them) is poised to lead Girls Action Foundation towards impactful, inclusive change.

Their acute understanding of precarious livelihoods and the importance of agency that transcends representation within colonial frameworks, motivates their commitment to move towards collective empowerment that is creative and compassionate.

OUR FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS

Girls Action is grateful for the many companies, foundations, individuals, and agencies that support girls', young women's and gender diverse youth's empowerment. The following funders and donors have made our work possible through financial and in-kind contributions.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tasmia Abbas
Co-Chair

Ajax

Shanat Martin
Co-Chair

Montreal

Rayyan Ebrahim
General Member

Montreal

Emma Esselink
General Member

Bowmanville

Emma Foong
General Member

Sarnia

Shena Kaul
General Member

Calgary

Alexei Richardson 
General Member

Montreal

You can send us your resume and a cover letter at any time to submit your application to the Board at board@girlsactionfoundation.ca
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