Julia Brown is a Canadian Master’s Student at University College Dublin. Her background is in Women’s Studies and Indigenous Studies where she is an active member of Toronto Canada’s Aboriginal community as well as a volunteer at Indspire, Canada’s only national Aboriginal charity.
Because I am a Girl I ask ...if a culture without gender-based discrimination is a dream or can be made into a reality.
Because I am a Girl I believe …that each and every individual can make a difference in reducing gender-based violence, stereotypes, and prejudice against women and also men.
Because I am a Girl I hope …that in the near future my assertiveness and drive in “going for” what I want to achieve in life will not be mistaken for me acting too “masculine.”
Because I am a Girl I wonder ...if our culture will learn to stop gendering personality traits. Women who voice their opinions should not be seen as overbearing, bossy, or too eager. When men act a certain way, they should also not be put down by being seen as “too feminine.”
Because I am a Girl I dream …For a time where women around the world are empowered to always make their own choices and have their own say in their lives. Regardless of factors including race, class, or socio-economic status.
Because I am a Girl I remember ...A time where being a girl meant freedom and strength, before womanhood added an increasing amount of rules and principles to abide by, in order to be deemed “desirable and worthy” of male attention.
Because I am a Girl I like …the fact that women today are going places that were once off-limits to us. And we are continuing to bend and break the boundaries.
Because I am a Girl I dislike …that we still have a long way to go. For instance, I am eager for the day where I will feel safe walking home alone at night.
Because I am a Girl I feel …responsible for making a difference. To me, this means that in any way I can, I want to raise awareness to many of the inequalities women are faced with each day.
Because I am a Girl I celebrate...Uniqueness and difference. Since women today are achieving and thriving more than ever before, in every area imaginable. We are doing more, and we are going further. Each and every success and boundary broken is a new frontier that brings me happiness.