This program acknowledges and celebrates girls who demonstrate exceptional leadership in working to improve the lives of others in their schools or communities. MPPs nominate young women from their constituencies to the Minister Responsible for Women's Issues.
Nominees for the Leading Women Program must be female and under 18 years of age, and must have demonstrated exceptional community leadership to improve the lives of others in their schools or communities. Volunteering should meet or exceed 80 hours (double the standard high school requirement) through one or more of the following ways:
- Breaking down barriers and encouraging girls to get involved in non-traditional careers.
- Championing or being actively involved in promoting issues such as equality, diversity, healthy equal relationships, violence against women prevention and reducing racism and discrimination.
- Actively participating in a political process at any level such as Student Council, Model United Nations, the Ontario Legislature or within the municipality.
- Acting as a positive role model by mentoring, coaching, volunteering and/or by providing a positive example to others in their communities.