Hailing women as the "womb of humanity", Canada's first lady Sophie Gregoire Trudeau today asked young women to be fearless and face the world with their heads held high.
Addressing a group of Indian women students here at the Asia launch of the global campaign -- 'She Will Grow Into It' -- she also asked them to speak up for those who cannot, and "have fun".
The wife of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said many cultural beliefs have asked women to have "small space in society or disappear sometimes" from it, but that will not happen.
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"Girls and women are the womb of humanity and they will be fully participative citizens... And men are our allies in the quest for equality," she said.
Twelve students from Gujarat's Patan district today interacted with Trudeau as part of the campaign and shared their stories.
After listening to the story of a Class 11 student, who aspires to become a poet, Trudeau appeared emotional and teary.
"There is a lot that you will face growing up as a girl. And you may also feel fearful. While it is normal to feel fear, I want to tell you that you should be courageous and fearless in facing the world.
"Face the world with your head held high. Speak up, and be the voices of those who cannot. And, while doing all that have fun," Trudeau said, and said, you all are like "my daughter, our daughters".
Wearing a yellow dress with floral prints, she hugged all the 12 students when she walked into the hall and later also posed for pictures and selfies.
The Trudeaus and their three children are on a week-long visit to India. They have been creating a buzz on social media, especially for wearing traditionally Indian clothes while attending different programmes, from Delhi to Amritsar.
Canada's Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan also interacted with the young women and described them as "powerful agents of change".
"Every child has a gift and endeavour to accomplish your inner potential and realise what you dream to become," he said.
The campaign led by a Canada-based non-profit organisation Nutrition International was launched globally in Ottawa on the International Day of the Girl Child.
"It serves to challenge social norms and highlights that a girl's future can answer should be powerful, progressive and limitless, everywhere." the organisation said.
Sophie Trudeau, when asked by a student, what she wanted to become, said, "I wasn't very clear at your age, but part of me wanted to do, what I am doing today, to bring smile on people's face. And, part of me wanted to draw art works. Today at 42, I have realised that to spread love, joy, peace, is what my heart desires."
"I have met kings and queens and celebrities, but I feel the happiest meeting girls of your age," she said.
Sajjan said he was going to share the stories of the girls back home with "not only my daughter, but also with my son too".
The Nutrition Internationals Right Start programme, funded by Canada, aims to support Indias priority for addressing malnutrition, combating anaemia, and educating girls, an official of the organisation said, adding that it spans nine countries in Asia and Africa.
"Your body has great potential, it can give birth to a boy or a girl. Nourish yourself and go after your dreams. And, yes, experience please and have fun," Trudeau said.
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