There was consensus that any initiative to reduce violence against women must involve supportive men as many harmful cultural practices are sustained by traditional definitions of manhood connected with dominance and male honor. Furthermore, some traditional gender roles imply that women are property of men and therefore men have a duty “to keep their women in line”. As researcher Micheal Floods states that, practices such as honor killing of wives, dowry related violence and forced marriage are often perpetuated directly by men, while other practices such as sex selective abortion and early marriage of girl children are perpetuated with men’s involvement and complicity.

 In 2012, over 400 Edmontonians gathered in Churchill Square to promote gender equality and recognize the important contributions that women make to Canadian society. The mayor of Slave Lake, Karina Pillay-Kinnee, was the keynote speaker and representatives from all levels of government were present to show their support. Awards were presented for  “Daughter’s of the Year to Romuna Monzur, Renee Vaugeois, Faye Dewar.  Recipients of the award all displayed courage and are strong advocates and role model of women and girls everywhere. There were also other speakers, music and performances celebrating women.

 The mission of Daughter’s Day is elimination of gender inequality, violence, and discrimination against girls and women at home, at school, in the workplace, and on the street. We will also be celebrating achievements and successes of girls and women on Daughter’s Day. We also observe that the issues of gender inequality, as well as violence against girls, have drawn the attention of United Nations and most recently the governments representing G20 countries.

We are pleased that our project could launch this community led awareness campaign.

To learn more about the Daughters Day Initiative please visit the following: