{"id":3233,"date":"2024-03-21T00:35:23","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T00:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salvationarmy.ca\/britishcolumbia\/empowering-girls-working-for-a-more-equitable-society\/"},"modified":"2025-05-27T08:19:33","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T08:19:33","slug":"empowering-girls-working-for-a-more-equitable-society","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salvationarmy.ca\/britishcolumbia\/2024\/03\/21\/empowering-girls-working-for-a-more-equitable-society\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Girls: Working for a More Equitable Society"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tireless efforts in recent years though BRAVE programs have been instrumental in providing support and guidance to almost 200 girls from all walks of life. In a world marked by persistent gender inequality, initiatives like BRAVE are vital in empowering young women. Led by dedicated individuals like Andrea Petkau and Ren\u00e9e McFadden at The Salvation Army\u2019s Willows Family Life Centre<\/a> in Langley, BRAVE has made a significant impact by providing support and guidance to girls facing diverse challenges.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>As a child, Andrea was raised within The Salvation Army and this fueled her passion for social work including a focus on areas like community outreach and child protection. Ren\u00e9e, a former teacher turned Salvation Army Officer, recognized the need for community outreach programs that could offer a safe space for girls to explore their potential and address critical issues like human trafficking and mental health. Together with Sarah McDonald, they host BRAVE Langley, a transformative event and an 8-week journaling circle, inviting inspiring speakers to motivate teens.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s Not Just a Day<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, BRAVE’s message resonates: every girl deserves recognition and value. Andrea and Ren\u00e9e challenge societal norms, urging girls to find worth from within.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want our participants to know that we see them, and that they matter. I want to be able to challenge them to search within themselves to find their inner voice and self worth. I want to point them in the right direction to identify that their value is beyond what our world says it is limited to.\u201d – Andrea Petkau<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"<\/a>BRAVE is founded on the following pillars: Equality & Dignity, Hope & Empowerment, and Inclusion & Mutuality. These principles shape its activities, from events and camps to weekly mentorship. By encouraging belonging and worth, BRAVE empowers girls to realize their potential and become agents of change.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cBRAVE is the investment of ourselves in the next generation, it is an outpouring that can change the trajectory of their lives. Girls are not the problem, they are the\u00a0solution.\u201d – Ren\u00e9e McFadden<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Community support is vital to sustain programs like BRAVE. Financial contributions are crucial, but passionate volunteers sharing their stories and supporting young girls are equally valuable. Together, we can invest in the next generation of women leaders, fostering a more equitable society.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u201cBRAVE has been a steady source of support for me, and I always feel loved and seen by everyone there. Honestly BRAVE has helped a lot with my self-image and my sense of belonging. I love how BRAVE helps young women connect with one another and form meaningful and lasting friendships as well as build a sense of community. I also love how BRAVE provides resources and talks about hard or \u2018taboo\u2019 subjects to support youth\u201d \u2013 Kari, BRAVE Participant<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Programs like BRAVE highlight the importance of female empowerment. Together let’s champion gender equality and empower the next generation.\u00a0The following Salvation Army locations in British Columbia currently offer BRAVE programs:<\/p>\n