We don't need to tell you that girls matter: they're smart, creative, adventurous and have unlimited potential. But sadly, many girls don't feel the same way.

By grade six, many girls lose confidence, dislike their bodies, and become less happy with themselves; in fact, more than half of them wish they were someone else. 

At the Canadian Women's Foundation, we want every girl in Canada to know that she matters. Through the Girls' Growth Fund IPO (Immediate Public Opportunity), we're raising funds to support programs for girls across Canada by selling 'shares' in the fund at $100 each.

The time to help girls is now: between the ages of nine and 13 is a critical period in girls' development. It's during this time that we must equip them with the self-esteem, decision-making and critical thinking skills they need to navigate adolescence.

When you purchase 'shares', your donation will help more than 3,000 girls to find the confidence, courage and potential in themselves, and to realize that they matter.

One share will inspire a girl to get physically active and try something new: $100 will fund her participation in activities like rock-climbing, canoeing or swimming.

Three shares will encourage five girls to feel comfortable in their own skin: $300 will fund a series of media literacy sessions that teach girls how to interpret and think critically about the marketing messages all around them.

Five shares will help a girl to feel in control of her environment and safe in her community: $500 will fund a personal safety program that teaches girls about internet safety, healthy relationships and violence prevention.

So buy your shares today and help a girl to realize that she matters!