By rdnewsNOW Staff

October 11

RDDCF celebrates International Day of the Girl

Oct 11, 2021 | 4:11 PM

Officials with the Red Deer and District Community Foundation (RDDCF) are celebrating International Day of the Girl Oct. 11 by announcing its $165,000 Gender Lens Investment Program.

The program is described as an opportunity to invest in local organizations that work toward the improved quality of life for girls, women, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse members of the community.

In December of 2011, the United Nations formally declared October 11, International Day of the Girl. Today, RDDCF officials say the global community shines a spotlight on girls’ rights and promotes their empowerment.

Gender Lens Investment, meanwhile, is said to be multi-layered and considers gender but also intersectionality and the knowledge that the colour of one’s skin, or their religious beliefs also plays a role in gender equity and equality.

RDDCF officials say vast amounts of research show that when people invest in organizations and businesses with mandates to promote gender equity and equality, communities begin to see a variety of both social and economic returns. In fact, officials point to a report published by Calvert Impact Capital, that gender equity could be incredibly transformative for economies, with more than $28 trillion potentially added to the global economy if women were to play an identical role in the labour markets to that of men.

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

15h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

21h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

21h ago

Over the course of the next six months, RDDCF will open its Gender Lens Investment Program to applicants with a mandate to serve and empower girls, women, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse community members, ensuring a more positive, fulfilling and equitable future.

By investing in central Alberta through the eye of a gender lens, RDDCF officials anticipate enhancing the social and economic fabric of local communities – empower girls and women, and create long-term, sustainable change.

In 2007, World Bank is said to have argued that when organizations invested in girls and women, they in turn, invested in the wellbeing of their economies and their families. “One dollar loaned to [invested in] a woman [or girl], has greater development impact than one dollar loaned to a man,” said World Bank officials.

RDDCF officials say $165,000 is just the tip of its Gender Lens Investment commitment.

“We will work to grow this fund so that we can invest in even more central Alberta girls and women. As a way to celebrate International Day of the Girl, we invite you to donate to this fund and play an active role in contributing to the empowerment of girls, women, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse members of our communities,” reads a statement from RDDCF.

Associate Minister of Status of Women Whitney Issik issued the following statement on International Day of the Girl:

“International Day of the Girl gives all Albertans the chance to show how proud we are of the girls in our lives and to support them in achieving their dreams. Girls are leaders, community builders and trailblazers who can be incredible agents for positive change. This day gives us an opportunity to highlight the stories and accomplishments of girls across Alberta and in our communities.

“This year’s theme highlights the “digital generation,” and it coincides perfectly with Women in STEM Week. Alberta’s government has taken steps to inspire girls to pursue careers in technology, including digital and internet services through the Women in STEM scholarship. Another example of how we are helping girls succeed in whatever path they follow is the Persons Case scholarship, whether they choose to be artists, athletes, academics, entrepreneurs, politicians, professionals or tradeswomen. When they graduate, investments in programs, such as Women Building Futures, will help them hit the ground running in their chosen fields.

“I am amazed and inspired by the brilliance and determination I see in girls all across Alberta. Let’s join together in celebrating them!”