Celebrating A Day for Empowerment for Girls and Youth

October 11 marks the International Day of the Girl Child, a globally recognized day to spotlight the rights, challenges, and limitless potential of girls. It’s a time to reflect on the barriers that persist, and to take meaningful action toward equity.

One area where these barriers can be seen is in the world of sport. According to Women and Gender Equality Canada, the idea that “girls just aren’t that interested in sports” is simply not true. In fact, girls drop out of sport at three times the rate of boys by age 16, not because of lack of interest, but due to barriers like cost, safety concerns, and lack of role models.

Leadership matters

While who leads may not seem important, representation does. Women athletes are significantly more likely to stay in coaching when they have a woman as a head coach. Yet in Canadian college sports, 74% of women’s teams are led by male head coaches, while only 3% of men’s teams have a female head coach. On a local level, just 34% of coaches are women.

In Canada, women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals continue to face challenges in accessing and participating in sport, not only as athletes, but also as coaches, leaders, and decision-makers. These gaps are even more pronounced in marginalized communities, where systemic barriers compound the issue.

Leveling out the playing field

The consequences of these inequities go far beyond the playing field. Limited access to sport and physical activity affects physical health, confidence, resilience, mental well-being, and leadership development. When opportunities are restricted, it impacts futures, potential, and the sense of belonging in our communities.

That’s why programs like Go Girls! Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds, are so important. Go Girls! empowers girls and gender-diverse youth in grades 4–8 to explore physical activity, balanced living, and positive self-image in a safe and supportive environment. Through mentorship and fun, engaging activities, participants build confidence, resilience, and meaningful connections.

This October 11, we celebrate the power of programs like Go Girls! that create space for girls to grow stronger: physically, mentally, and as future leaders in our communities.