This year, 14 million girls under the age of 18 will be married. In developing countries, childbirth will be the number one cause of death for girls 15-19. In a single year, an estimated 150 million girls are victims of sexual violence. Half of the sexual assaults in the world victimize girls under the age of 12.
Against such devastating odds, there is a simple critical truth, educate girls and you will change the world. Girl Rising is a ground breaking documentary film that follows the story of nine girls from around the world and illustrates how access to education for girls can transform societies.
On Monday November 25th at 6:30pm there will be a free community screening of the film 'Girl Rising' at Cates Hill Chapel. The film is being presented by the North Shore Restorative Justice Society, a non-profit which provides peaceful approaches to the aftermath of crime and conflict.
This film screening is offered as an opportunity to encourage community dialogue and engagement around issues that shape our world today. Donations will be accepted and all funds raised will go to support their Circles in Schools program which gives children and youth the skills to transform conflict, heal relationships, and create stronger communities themselves.
This powerful film is an opportunity to create awareness within our families and community about the challenges girls around the world face and how we can have a hand in their empowerment. It has been recommended for an audience of grade six and higher.
For every girl to reach her full potential, new policies must be enacted and enforced. The first step to becoming an advocate is to educate yourself about the issues. Seeing the film is a good start, and there are lots of other small and large ways you can make a difference.
Please join us for this compelling journey in storytelling around the world and into the lives of nine remarkable girls.
www.girlrising.com
www.nsrj.ca
Article by Samantha Sarra
