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Program empowers young women Sarah Ferguson Northern News Services Published Friday, July 29, 2011
"Anything we can do to help girls become confident women is a bonus for society as a whole," stated Avalon president and CEO Don Bubar in a press release. Ashley MacDonald, who spearheads Girlspace in Yellowknife, said it gives young women a safe place to express their concerns and band together. "Being a girl these days can be really tough, but in the North it's that much harder, and that's why this program is so important," MacDonald said. "There are higher rates of domestic violence in the North that women are exposed to from an early age, and Girlspace is the only preventative program offered in the city that helps teach young women about combating violence and making positive choices," she said. Girlspace is offered as a YWCA after-school program during most of the year. In July, the program transforms into four, week-long day camps that feature a number of empowering themes for young girls. MacDonald says the program attracts girls from "all walks of life," and is divided into age categories of junior, intermediate and senior, with ages ranging from eight to 17. She says each after-school group is composed of approximately 12 girls. This year, MacDonald headed summer day camps that involved caring for the environment, physical fitness, cooking and social activism. She says all the camps have been successful, but feels the social activism theme was a real hit with participants. "It was all about teaching young girls that they have rights, and don't have to stay silent," MacDonald said. "I will never forget the time a very shy girl broke the silence at one of our camps this summer when she told me 'I didn't realize I had a voice' - that is what the camp is all about." Participants in the program this summer developed fundraising projects such as a bake sale and lemonade stand, raising more than $740 - with proceeds going to buy "gifts of hope" for impoverished girls around the world through the social activist organization Plan. Plan's "Because I am a Girl" campaign, which supports social justice for women worldwide, allows fundraising organizations to purchase items needed by women in underprivileged countries such as baby chicks for farms, home-birthing kits and birthing blankets. "The girls planned all the details for the event and did the prep themselves; we were all very proud with how it turned out," said MacDonald. Julie Green, Yellowknife YWCA director of community relations, said the program plays an important role in the community. "It teaches young women some very important fundamentals about leadership and the importance of self-esteem and healthy living," Green said. Fall registration for the Girlspace program begins in September and those interested in joining can contact the YWCA.
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