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My name is Eleyna and I am a 15 year old girl activist who wants to make a change in the world! Attending this year’s International Day of the Girl Speak Out at the UN headquarters was a lifetime experience. I came as a representative from Toronto, Canada, for the Loretto Sisters  and the Mary Ward Centre, and as a planning member for the Working Group on Girls.

My time at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum was incredible! I had the privilege of personally representing the Mary Ward Center and our gender equality research when meeting with Ambassador Bob Rae. Similarly, I was able to connect with a range of individuals, from diplomats to NGO advocates.

Ultimately, my participation at the HLPF reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy. It strengthened my resolve to confront gendered expectations and to champion inclusive, compassionate spaces where every voice—especially those of women and girls—can be heard and valued.

The Mary Ward Centre organized two virtual side events during the HLPF in collaboration with the IBVM-Loreto Generalate NGO to the UN and many other organizations. Recordings of the events are available on The Mary Ward Centre YouTube page.

The Mary Ward Centre invites you to read our new report entitled "Breaking Barriers: The Urgent Need to Accelerate Gender Equality for Young Women and Girls".  Learn about the challenges and opportunities experienced by young women and girls (aged 15 to 24) in Canada in relation to gender equality and access to decent work. 

On Feb 25th, sixty students from TCDSB schools, Madonna and St. Patrick’s, as well as YCDSB Sacred Heart High School gathered at the Mary Wa

December 6th: The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.