For International Women's Day 2012, the theme is 'connecting girls and futures.' The Huffington Post Canada is asking girls and women what matters the most to them. Join the conversation with the hashtag #womenof2012 or leave us a comment to answer any of the questions below.
Name: Shannique Kenton
Age: 14
City: Mississauga, Ont.
Grade: 9
Who is your biggest influence?
I don't really know.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing girls your age today?
I think it's probably insecurity. We are surrounded by images, especially in the media, showing us how we must look in order to be a somebody.
Who are your ideal female icons?
My mother and grandmother.
Do you think there's equality between boys and girls in your school?
Yes, I do because everyone is treated the same whether male or female.
Do you think a female prime minister would be any different than a male? Why and how?
I think it would be different because they may see different issues that males don't see. Even if they see the same issues as males, they might address them differently.
Do you think it's important to have an International Women's Day?
Yes, because women aren't treated with respect or have the with the same rights as men in other countries around the world. This is probably the only day where many of them are able to have their say.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would like to be a pediatrician because I love helping people and working with kids.
How you feel about women represented in the media, film and pop culture? Can you see yourself in any of them?
I don't really see myself in any of them because a lot of them aren't even black. The people edit them to their liking instead of keeping them how they look.
What do you consider 'female' attributes?:
Women who are very nurturing even if they're not yet a mother.
RELATED: Check out other interviews -- you can also add in your own slide by emailing us at canadaliving@huffingtonpost.com.
