The 2018 Young Women in Leadership program continues the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural program. The program runs from April 9-13, 2018. It offers young women in Oakville and Halton an opportunity to job-shadow in a local business, agency, organization, or government.
Local businesses and organizations, as well as young women currently in high school, pursuing post-secondary education or just starting out in their careers are invited to participate in this year’s program.
"This unique initiative was one of the most valuable career-related experiences I have had" - Yusra Hassan - McMaster University Student
Work experiences are a critical component of preparing youth for the transition to adulthood. The need for a career shadow initiative for young women came out of a roundtable on women’s empowerment hosted on International Women’s Day in 2016.
2018 Young Women in Leadership Program Goals
- develop an understanding of different occupations in order to make informed career choices;
- increase knowledge of specific occupational skills and workplace settings
- gain career readiness skills, including the “soft skills” that employers look for in entry level workers
- build confidence in professional environments
By investing in young Canadians, we help them build a stronger future and obtain skills and experience they need. We must create opportunities for women and girls to achieve and succeed by fostering systemic change along with providing various forums for powerful female voices to be heard, like the opportunity to job-shadow in a local business, agency, organization, or government.
As Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women I work to advance women’s economic security and prosperity. It is important to create a federal gender-based violence strategy. An action plan ensures workplaces and communities are free from harassment and sexual violence. It fulfills their potential as equals in society. And while there are many advances to celebrate in 2018, there is still a long way to go.
"Lauren was a delight to work with and I hope she's benefited from the experience like I have. As a co-op student, I believe that the best way to learn is by teaching others," Camryn Anderson, John Willmott Architect Inc.
We are still working for women’s economic security. Women are still not present in equal numbers in business or politics. As we prepare to celebrate International Women’s Day next month, I hope all Canadians will look for ways to include and empower girls through programs like the 2018 Young Women in Leadership program. Join me in pushing for equality for women in our community, across Canada and around the world.
The 2018 Young Women in Leadership program is looking for local businesses and organizations to mentor a female student for one day during the week of April 9-13.
Those interested in participating as a mentor are asked to contact Program Coordinator, Elexa Stevenson, at [email protected] or call 613-992-1338.
How to become a mentee:
Students who wish to participate as a mentee are asked to visit www.mpdamoff.ca and fill out the application form. Both mentors and mentees should indicate their interest by March 16, 2018.