Raising Girls

We believe that all people have the skills, strengths and abilities to achieve their goals.

Through our free counselling, we provide emotional support and guidance to help you make positive changes related to your sexual health, gender, sexuality or relationships.

This program is for:

Girls ages 8-12 and their parents/ caregivers

Costs & Fees

Sliding fee scale. Contact us for more information

Hours & Availability

Sessions take place on evenings or weekends

How to Register

Upcoming sessions are listed on our events calendar. If you want to organize a session, please contact our Youth Programs Manager

Workshops for Girls and Their Natural Supports

To support girls who do not have access to the Girls Program in their schools, Centre for Sexuality offers the Raising Girls Workshop Series. These workshops are a three-part series offered during evenings or weekends.

Sessions cover some of the core topics of our Girls Program including:

  • puberty
  • healthy friendships
  • body image
  • media literacy

These workshops are delivered to girls aged 9-12 and their natural supports (parents/guardians). Please check the website or social media for announcements on program dates or email our Youth Programs Manager.

Book Now

If you’re interested in booking a program, want to find out more or have questions, please email our Youth Programs Manager.

Workshop Overview

Workshop 1: Healthy Friendships

This workshop defines boundaries, different types of relationships and relationship “rights.” Participants learn and practice different communication tools, allowing them to identify healthy vs. unhealthy friendships and engage in communication that supports healthy relationships.

Topics covered:

  • Boundaries
  • Communication
  • Healthy versus unhealthy friendships
Workshop 2: Body Image and Media Literacy

This workshop defines media and body image and highlights the relationship between media and body image. Participants learn and practice tools to analyze media messages and consume media safely. Participants will demonstrate increased awareness and skill to navigate media’s impact on body image.

Topics covered:

  • The way media can impact how we feel about how we look 
  • Challenging media messages 
  • Using social media responsibly
Workshop 3: Puberty

This workshop shares the changes that happen to all bodies during puberty. Through exploring values and experiences around puberty, participants will report increased comfort and knowledge about puberty.

Topics covered:

  • Changes that occur during puberty 
  • Preparing for your period 
  • Taking care of your changing body

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should my child and I attend Raising Girls?

How is Raising Girls different from other programs?

Raising Girls is a program for girls and their natural supports (parents/caregivers) to do together. Natural supports are involved in the program and learning, and receive tools to help support the girls in their journey.

What time commitment is involved?

Raising Girls is a series of three workshops of three hours each. While most participants choose to attend all three, it is possible to attend just one or two of the sessions.

I am worried about content that doesn’t align with our family values or religion.

We are glad this is something you’re thinking about! Our program emphasizes the importance of natural supports (parents/caregivers) and emphasizes that each person will have different experiences, values and opinions.

Is this program appropriate for my gender-diverse child?

This is a great question that we hear often! We encourage any young person who feels connected to the topics to join the program. Our facilitators ensure that spaces are inclusive, each person can take something away from the conversations and everyone can show up as their authentic self!