We tell girls to be themselves, but then they have role models - sometimes too many role models - in popular culture who incarnate that kind of disconnectedness from oneself. We are taught to self-hate; we are taught to doubt. Our culture doesn't help us recognize ourselves as amazing beings without changing ourselves.
When it comes to having conversations with girls what I hear from them is that there is a lot of pressure to look a certain way, act a certain way, perform a certain way, and there are very mixed messages. We are telling them, βBe yourself, be true to who you are,' but what does that mean in a society of comparison, competition, and individualism?
The future kind of gets less intimidating when you're the one shaping it.
When you share your story and become vulnerable, the ripple effect and the people that you can help along the way is a life lesson.
I still have dreams, but instead of having them written on a little piece of paper, I live a little bit of them every day.
There is no doubt that women and children on this planet are the people who suffer the most on many levels⦠Lots of boys around this planet are being taught right now that girls are lesser than them. This is toxic to everybody, and boys deserve better.
We have taught our children that meanness gets you nowhere in life.
Owing to cultural beliefs, girls have been taught to be small, disappear and not take our full place in society. But that is not what we are meant to be.
Girls are womb of humanity, nucleus of the family and are supposed to become fully participant citizens in our own countries.
I read a lot on self-esteem issues, and a mother has more impact on the self-esteem of her daughter than peer pressure or media or television.
Once Justin decided to go on the political scene, all the spotlights were on him. I think we've done pretty well finding a balance and a centre. It's a very scrutinized life.
The differences that separate human beings are nothing compared to the similarities that bond us together.
If we don't think that men and boys are part of the solution in this battle for gender equality for the balance between who we are as humans, we're undermining their minds and their spirits. They need to be part of the equation.
Patience for me is a big thing. Patience with others. Patience with the way the world is evolving. I have a sense of urgency because I want to help out so much.
Canada knows that for a society to be prosperous and more just and more peaceful, women and girls must be educated.
We know that we're fortunate. We have a wonderful life and it is an honour for us to be of service, and every single day dedicated to helping others and making this society and this country a better place for more people.