Why Women and Girls

As the United States Agency for Internal Development (USAID), The World Bank and UNICEF all acknowledge, women around the world play a vital role in the success of a families, communities and nations. Yet, this success has not come easily and in many developing countries it has yet to be realized or acknowledged.

 

Throughout history and in many nations, women have suffered fewer rights than their male counterparts. Cultural mores, economic cast systems and religious principles impede the growth and value of woman and girls in developing countries. Overcoming these constraints will be the only way women and girls will realize their worth and potential.

 

Educating and empowering women and girls has the ability to reduce the cycle of poverty, social injustice, prejudice and inequality. According to the Borgen Report, June 2014, there are three ways education prevents poverty: health literacy, economic growth, and empowering women and girls. The Borgen Report further writes:

 

“Education has proven to benefit women and girls at a higher rate than boys. The empowerment that girls receive from an education both personally and economically is unmatched by any other factor. Women who are educated are usually better decision-makers and have higher self-confidence. They are more knowledgeable about how to care for their families. Studies show that in Kenya, if female farmers were provided the same amount of education and resources as male farmers, crop yields could increase 22 percent. This idea can be applied globally.

 

In poor countries, each additional year of education beyond grades three or four can provide women with a 20 percent increase in yearly salary. This allows families to be completely self-sufficient. The satisfaction that comes from a woman being able to provide for her family is immeasurable.”