Winnipeg, MB – On Wednesday, October 9th at Providence’s downtown Massey Building location, students, staff and faculty held an International Day of the Girl Child symposium. This was hosted by Prov Downtown’s House Blackett and organized by one of their students.
Irene Ugbah is currently taking her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at Providence, and since 2018 has run similar events across different cities in Nigeria. The theme for this year’s symposium was “The Girl I Am: Campus to Community,” which focused on ways that public, corporate, political and religious organizations can work towards closing the gender gap in leadership.
By Irene Ugbah, MA Student
From Campus to Community
The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and purpose as some students and staff gathered to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child (IDG) 2025 Symposium hosted by House Blackett in collaboration with Irene Ugbah, MA in Educational Leadership student.
The program began at 11:35am with a heartfelt opening prayer by Deivenne Lalas (Student Services Coordinator), setting the tone for a day of reflection, empowerment, and advocacy. Harmanpreet Kaur, House Mother of Blackett, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, expressing pride in the house’s ongoing commitment to celebrating girls’ achievements and potential.
A Story of Purpose and Perseverance
In her opening remarks, Irene Ugbah spoke passionately about the significance of the IDG celebration, which she has championed since 2018. Sharing her personal journey as a girl who once faced barriers to education, Irene reminded the audience that this event was born out of gratitude and a mission to ensure no girl is left behind.
She then introduced the keynote speaker, Nicole Barnabé (Associate Dean – Buller School of Business), whose address powerfully traced the evolution of women’s roles in Canada from her grandmother’s time, when women were largely confined to traditional roles like teaching and nursing, to today’s era where women excel in all fields, including the military, politics, and sports.
Professor Barnabé urged girls and women never to seek permission to lead or assert their identities, emphasizing that leadership is not gendered – it is courageous. She called on both men and women to stand up for each other, challenge stereotypes, and build communities where fairness and respect thrive.
Stories of Strength and Leadership
After a short video which showcased past editions of the IDG celebration, Irene invited the panelists for an engaging discussion on leadership, gender equity, and purpose.
Jaismeen Kaur, President of the Student Council (STUCO), shared her passion for service and mentorship. For her, leadership isn’t about titles or politics – it’s about lifting others up.
Tim Froese (Academic Advisor) reflected on his experiences; he highlighted the distinctive strengths women bring to leadership, sharing that he has worked under seven female leaders and found women to be exceptional in leadership roles. As a proud grandfather to two girls, he expressed his hope for a future where they will never have to fight for opportunities already rightfully theirs.
Winnie Amo-Mensah (Academic Advisor) spoke about breaking gender barriers. Recalling her time as a bank manager in Accra, she shared how clients often expected to see an older man in her position. “Their surprise quickly turned into respect,” she laughed, remembering one customer’s admission that he finally understood why she had earned the role. After moving to Canada, her dedication to volunteering opened unexpected doors, leading her to her current role at Providence.
The Power of Advocacy
As the session wrapped up, Prof. Barnabé offered closing reflections, reminding everyone that leadership is about courage and collective responsibility.
In her final words, Ugbah delivered this message: “Girls and women must continue to build capacity and invest in themselves because nothing will be handed to us simply because we are women.” She also reminded the audience of girls in other parts of the world who still struggle to access education. “Sometimes,” she said, “all it takes to keep a child in school back home is just 10 to 20 dollars. We are not truly free until every barrier that holds another girl back is removed.”
Looking Ahead
The event concluded on a hopeful note as House Supervisor Asher Setty invited students to register and become part of the House Blackett community – a space where leadership, service, and inclusivity continue to thrive.
From heartfelt reflections to bold calls for action, the IDG Symposium 2025 was more than an event; it was a celebration of resilience, purpose, and the unyielding power of the girl child.
For more information about the International Day of the Girl Child, visit the United Nations website.
