Publication Helps Teens Plan for Future

A new publication from the Advisory Council on the Status of Women helps teenaged girls make good decisions about their futures. Guide for Girls discusses preparing for work and career, relationships with friends and family, money management and community involvement. It was released in Halifax today, Oct. 5.

"This book encourages girls to look beyond the traditional expectations and inspires them to seek their own best route to self-sufficiency," said Status of Women Minister Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. "It helps them to define success for themselves and to strive to achieve it."

The project involved partners interested in women's economic security, girls' education and health and well-being. Nova Scotia teens from Halifax and Antigonish provided input at key stages.

"Guide for Girls shows teens some of their options and encourages them to make the right choices for themselves," said Sonja Power, chair, Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

The book also offers suggestions for summer jobs, talks about the different realities men and women face, and includes a listing of resources for teen girls on a variety of topics.

Members of the Hypatia Society, Nova Scotia Community College, IWK Health Centre, Phoenix House, and Antigonish Women's Resource Centre helped to produce the publication. The advisory council also worked with teenaged girls who contributed their ideas and energy throughout the process.

The book is available at some public libraries, women's centres and teen health centres, and on the Status of Women website, at www.gov.ns.ca/staw .