Supporting women leads to better futures for all, Canada91裸聊视频檚 Governor General said Friday as she reflected on her experience as a woman in power.

Mary Simon was the guest of honour at a Canadian Club event hosted by the Women Heads of Diplomatic Mission in Ottawa to mark International Women91裸聊视频檚 Day.

Throughout her career, Simon said, she91裸聊视频檚 watched as women in leadership positions frequently inspire and mentor other women to follow their lead.

But neither gender nor hate should ever limit someone91裸聊视频檚 potential or ambitions in any field, she said.

91裸聊视频淎s Governor General, I want to use my position and my voice to help others to shine a light on some of the issues still impacting women and girls 91裸聊视频� particularly in the area of digital respect,91裸聊视频� Simon said, describing her own experiences with online hate and workplace misogyny.

91裸聊视频淭hese attacks are not harmless. They silence powerful voices, discourage participation in public discourse and create a climate of fear and insecurity.91裸聊视频�

Her own experiences with online hate impacted her mental health, she said. Last year, Simon91裸聊视频檚 office had to disable comments on social media posts in order to filter out racist and sexist comments.

Other women are experiencing the same thing, and some are even leaving their positions as a result, Simon said.

91裸聊视频淵oung girls who witness these awful attacks on women leaders may reconsider their aspirations to become public figures, or they may decide to stay silent,91裸聊视频� she said.

91裸聊视频淭his would be devastating to our society.91裸聊视频�

She announced plans to host a one-day symposium designed to promote respectful digital dialogue and raise awareness of 91裸聊视频渢oxic online discourse.91裸聊视频�

The event, to be held April 11 at Rideau Hall, will gather academics, journalists, young people, officials, advocates and mental health experts to share their experiences and learn about initiatives against online abuse.

91裸聊视频淲e know this is a complex issue 91裸聊视频� one that requires sustained effort, collaboration across sectors and a long-term commitment,91裸聊视频� Simon said.

And there91裸聊视频檚 also cause for optimism: she said she91裸聊视频檚 been encouraging people to build 91裸聊视频渘etworks of resilience91裸聊视频� to help support people who face online harm.

It91裸聊视频檚 critical for generations to pass down knowledge, she added, noting that her own grandmother has provided inspiration throughout her 50 years of work on Indigenous issues.

91裸聊视频淭he solutions will come from all of us working together,91裸聊视频� Simon said.

91裸聊视频淲omen, men, people of all identities and ages: We need you all to speak up.91裸聊视频�

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