Writing Contest Focuses Young Women on Future
The Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women is sponsoring their first writing contest for young women. First prize is a $250 bursary.
Young women across Nova Scotia in grades 10, 11 or 12 are invited to write an article, story or poem no longer than 250 words. The theme should illustrate their vision of equality, fairness and dignity and what needs to happen to get there.
"This contest -- Hopes, Dreams & Directions: Young Women's Vision for the Future -- is designed to get young women thinking about issues like economic equality, health and well-being and violence against women and how these affect them," said Patricia Doyle-Bedwell, chair of the Nova Scotia Advisory Committee on the Status of Women. "We want to heighten their awareness and encourage them to think about ways these issues can be resolved."
She said informed and motivated young women are key to solid progress in the evolution toward women's equality and this contest is one way to reach and motivate young women.
The idea for the contest grew out of the resounding success the council had on International Women's Day when it hosted a day-long young women's forum. Delegations from metro area high schools discussed issues and reported an increased awareness and new-found inspiration and energy to meet equality issues head-on.
"It was clear to us that we had struck a chord and that more of this needed to be done in a variety of different ways," said Doyle-Bedwell. "This contest will help us achieve the same thing and at the same time, provide the council with a deeper insight into the issues that are unique to young women."
Contest information packages were recently sent to high schools across the province and entries are beginning to come in. Judging the submissions will be Margaret Conrad, Nancy Rowel Jackman, Chair at Mount St. Vincent University, Diane LeBlanc, Halifax Chronicle-Herald columnist, and Patricia Doyle-Bedwell.
Second and third prizes are bookstore gift certificates. Winning submissions will also be published in Women's Writes, the council's newsletter.
Deadline for submission is Friday, May 22. Winners will be notified by June 15. For contest entry forms please contact the advisory council offices at 424-8662.