The Westchester County Youth Bureau, in conjunction with its International Day of the Girl (IDG) planning committee, has released a video called “Our Voices, Our Rights, Our Movements,” to celebrate International Day of the Girl. Inspired by the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl Child, which is observed on Oct. 11, the County is celebrating the observance and collective investment in Westchester County’s girls with a video montage.
Watch International Day of the Girl.
The video features students and key stakeholders such as Westchester County Executive George Latimer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, NYS Attorney General Tish James, Senators Shelley Mayer, NYS Assemblywomen Amy Paulin and Sandy Galef. The video includes workshops conducted by Girls Inc. and Family Services of Westchester, which were attended by Westchester County Legislators Nancy Barr, Mary Jane Shimsky and Ruth Walters. The IDG video is dedicated to Dr. Corrine Whitaker, who passed away tragically while hiking out of town this year.
Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said: “Corrine was a fierce advocate for equity and justice. She was an inspirational and international giant who contributed greatly to the advancement of girls and the good work of Westchester County’s IDG projects.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Today, we celebrate YOU. We want all of you to know that you can make a difference. You inspire change in your communities. Follow your voice, and be heard, and be empowered to get involved in your communities and leave your footprint.”
The IDG planning committee collectively addresses the structural challenges that youth who identify as female encounter through programming and funding. Members of the Committee included the following nonprofit organizations: Apple Bank, Girls Inc. of Westchester County; Greater Hudson Valley Chapter, Links Inc.; Home Run Against Drugs; League of Women Voters of Westchester County; New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital; New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital; One Love Foundation; Ossining Parents Advocating Collectively for Children; Peekskill Youth Bureau; Sister to Sister International, Inc.; United Nations Association-- Southern New York State Division; United Nations Association—Westchester; White Plains Youth Bureau; and YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester.
For more information, contact the Westchester County Youth Bureau at (914) 995-2745.