Girls Belong Here 2026

Connecting Canada’s youth with opportunities to lead and break barriers

Girls Belong Here 2026 applications are now open!

We believe representation and gender diversity matter, especially in leadership and positions of power. Since 2016, Plan International Canada’s Girls Belong Here program has been creating opportunities for self-identifying girls, young women and gender-diverse youth between the ages 14 and 24 to connect with leaders and claim spaces across civil, corporate, academic and government sectors.

We ALL have a right to equal opportunity in all industries. Through Girls Belong Here, young people exchange knowledge and ideas with leadership in the organizations they are paired with and provide their perspectives on various organizational strategies and initiatives. This helps to advance a more equal world, which benefits everyone.

This program is part of a global movement to amplify the voices of people who experience gender-based discrimination (including girls, women and non-binary people) to advocate for their rights and elevate their position in society.

Previous key partners include powerful industry leaders like David McKay, President of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and change-makers in the political realm including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Some of our partners in 2022-2023 included corporations such as IKEA, and AstraZeneca as well as political leaders such as Minister Marci Ien and Parliamentary Secretary Jenna Sudds.

Develop leadership and advocacy skills — both in-person and virtually:

• Seat share
  • Step into a leader’s role for several days. In this activity, youth exchange ideas with leadership, receive mentorship and participate in meetings and other meaningful discussions, contributing to key organization goals.
• Innovation hub
  • Connect and collaborate with other youth participants in a half-day workshop led by a partner organization. You’ll help address a challenge or issue they face – they want your unique perspective!
• When does the program take place
  • The Girls Belong Here program is scheduled around International Women’s Day in the spring, with activities occurring in February and March. The program sessions will be held on weekdays during working hours, which may require participants to miss work or school. Plan International Canada can provide support letters to assist with any necessary accommodations from your school or employer.

Join us as we celebrate a decade of impact with Girls Belong Here’s 10-year anniversary. If you’re a female-identifying or gender-diverse youth between 14 and 24, living in Canada and driven by advocacy, global citizenship, and creating change—this is your opportunity. All program costs are fully covered, and past participants have secured internships, spoken at global summits, and built lasting networks. Apply by November 5, 2025, to take part in Spring 2026 programming around International Women’s Day.

How to Apply:

Apply here!