News release

Students' Vision of Women's Equality Lauded

Status of Women

Three young Nova Scotian women were lauded today for their insight, intelligence and ability to articulate their vision of women's equality.

Daphne Keevil Harrold of Halifax, Carlie Stevens of Canning, and Christy Sutherland of Halifax were awarded first, second and third place respectively for their entries in Hopes, Dreams and Directions: Young Women's Vision for the Future. The writing contest, open to women across the province in grades 10 to 12, was sponsored by the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

Francene Cosman, Minister responsible for the Status of Women, and Patricia Doyle-Bedwell, chair of the advisory council, made the award presentations in the Red Room, Province House.

"The 119 entries, and particularly these, were just excellent," said Ms. Cosman. "Not only were they very well written, the content shows us that this generation of young women are dealing with complex gender issues in their day-to-day lives and that they give those issues a great deal of thought and reflection."

The contest was motivated by a need to reach young Nova Scotia women about the issues surrounding women's equality.

"We need to educate and enlighten young people," explained Ms. Doyle-Bedwell. "If we can inspire informed youth to really think about the issues, then we're making real progress. After all, these are the leaders of tomorrow and they will make a big difference in advancing and achieving women's equality."

Female high school students across Nova Scotia were asked to submit a story, poem or article no longer than 250 words describing their vision of equality and how it can be achieved.

Daphne Keevil Harrold, of Sacred Heart School, took first place for her work entitled Mommy, I'm Scared, Very Scared. She receives a $250 bursary to a post-secondary institution. Carlie Stevens, Cornwallis District High School, won second place for The Two Ravens. And Christy Sutherland, Queen Elizabeth High School, placed third for The Non-Waggeler. Ms. Stevens and Ms. Sutherland each receive bookstore gift certificates. All receive a perma-plaque copy of their entry. The winning entries will be published in the council's newsletter, Women's Writes.