Plan International Canada Celebrates 10 Years of Girls Belong Here

TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Plan International Canada has celebrated a decade of its Girls Belong Here program, which has empowered hundreds of young women and gender-diverse youth to engage with influential decision-makers and shape policies that affect their communities. Since its launch in 2013, the program has connected over 300 participants, aged 14 to 24, with leaders in various sectors, including public policy, technology, health, and community spaces.

One of the program's most notable alumni is Yllka Bojku, who participated in a seat share at the House of Commons in 2022. Bojku, who immigrated to Canada from Kosovo, credits the program with sparking a newfound confidence and opening doors to leadership roles. "When I arrived in Canada, I had ambition but lacked the confidence to make a difference. Plan Canada’s Girls Belong Here program gave me the tools and confidence to see possibilities that once seemed out of reach," Bojku said.

Today, Bojku works in technology and advocates for digital inclusion, inclusive AI policy, and civic engagement. Her experience through Girls Belong Here has paved the way for her recent selection into Fora: Network for Change’s Rise on Boards program, where she will serve as a Young Director on a non-profit board.

The program's success is evident in the diverse career trajectories of its alumni. Breanne Lavallee-Heckert, who participated in a seat share at the Prime Minister of Canada’s Office, has since become the executive director of Festival du Voyageur. Tami Vasanthakumaran, whose seat share was with CIFAR, founded Meducine, an AI-powered platform that makes health information more accessible. Sophie Arseneault, who was paired with the Canadian Embassy to the United Nations, now works with the World Bank Group and serves as a board director with Fòs Feminista, a global alliance working to advance the health and well-being of girls and women.

According to Lindsay Glassco, the president and CEO of Plan International Canada, the program’s success lies in the unique collaboration between young leaders and established decision-makers. "Young people see the world differently, and their experiences can make all of us think differently about how we lead. At the same time, they get to imagine themselves in roles where significant decisions are made, roles that are still too often held by men. When girls have a seat at the table and are given the opportunity to lead, we all benefit," Glassco stated.

A recent survey of 21 alumni revealed that the program has had a lasting impact on their lives. Every respondent said they still draw on the skills, confidence, or connections gained through Girls Belong Here, and all said it changed how they see their own potential. The survey highlights the program’s role in fostering a new generation of leaders who are committed to driving equality for girls.

As Girls Belong Here enters its second decade, Plan International Canada is inviting businesses, governments, universities, and community organizations to partner with the program. The organization seeks to expand the program’s reach and impact by providing more opportunities for girls and young women to engage with influential decision-makers and contribute to shaping policies that affect their communities and the world.

Through seat shares, mentorship, and other opportunities, the program aims to continue empowering the next generation of global girls’ rights advocates. By bringing girls and young women into decision-making spaces, Plan International Canada is working to create a more inclusive and equitable world.