Advocacy & Education

Between November 25th and December 10th Girls Inc. of NAB takes part in the international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. During the 16 Days of Activism, people around the world unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women for good. 

At Girls Inc. we have participated in this global campaign through workshops discussing such topics as: defining GBV, Our rights as women & girls, the role media plays in gender based violence, Islamophobia, MMIWG2S+,  GBV in sports, self defense, and  supporting survivors. 

An important piece to raising awareness against violence against women and girls includes allowing girls to advocate for themselves by using their voice and talents to create art pieces that can be displayed throughout the RMWB. This includes art lessons with indigenous artists, public art displays and more. 

#GIRLSTOO engages girls and young women ages 9-18 as important agents of change by developing their collective strategies and skills to help their communities live up to expectations for better treatment. The program addresses the intersecting vulnerability to gender-based violence (GBV) that Northern girls face, the lack of girls-led advocacy around systemic violence, and the need for a system to transform negative norms, attitudes and stereotypes towards allyship.

Girls participating in the #Girlstoo programs create art pieces that can be displayed within their communities (schools, homes, etc.) to advocate on topics discussed over the course of the six week program. These art pieces range in topics from consent, personal boundaries, self defense, gender stereotypes and more. 

In August of 2024 in partnership with the RMWB, girls ages 9-18 had the opportunity to install permanent art pieces in the downtown core of Fort McMurray. Located at Kiyam Park, girls used their voices, ideas & talents to create advocacy pieces that discussed topics such as: online safety, cyber bullying, self esteem & body confidence, MMIWG2S+, and more. At the end of the week, participants’ work was included in the RMWB Mural Fest helping to bring awareness and allowing girls to advocate on topics that were important to them.