Hon. F. Gigi Osler: Honourable senators, I am pleased to welcome a group of inspiring women representing Athena Leadership.

Athena Leadership is a Manitoba-based non-profit organization that is dedicated to empowering and advancing women in leadership. They strive to build personal and professional capacity through mentorship, networking opportunities and peer collaboration. At the community level, Athena has a dedicated scholarship that addresses the urgency in building leadership among women, girls and gender-diverse people. Each year, their Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes and supports one outstanding young woman who makes a difference in other people’s lives through exceptional community involvement and leadership.

I am especially delighted to welcome them here today as October is Women’s History Month in Canada. I encourage everyone to take the time to explore this year’s theme of “Through Her Lens,” and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women from diverse backgrounds in your own community.

One of Athena’s guiding principles is to provide education in a supportive environment. As a physician, I have seen the benefits of providing science-based information to empower people and improve health. October is Women’s History Month, and this week — October 1 to 7 — is HPV Prevention Week. Did you know that in 2017, Canada was the first country to devote a week to raising awareness about HPV, or human papillomavirus, and the diseases and cancers it can cause? Around the world and in Canada, HPV-associated cancers are on the rise and can affect anyone of any gender. After declining for over 20 years due to decreased tobacco use, cancers of the tongue, mouth and oropharynx have increased sharply due to HPV, which is now associated with 50% to 70% of these cancers.

Whether it is providing information in a health care setting, education in a professional environment or a statement in the Red Chamber, knowledge empowers. Thank you to the women of Athena Leadership for empowering people and enriching lives. Meegwetch.