WUNRN
World Pulse
In our recent digital action
campaign, World Pulse asked our community to share their
testimonies on the obstacles that stand in the way of girls' dreams. Grassroots
voices from all over the world chimed in with lived experiences that illuminate
the disturbing statistics: There are currently 66 million girls in the world
that should be in school, but are not. Thirteen girls under age 18 will be
married in the next 30 seconds. The number one cause of death for girls aged
15-19 is childbirth.
Out of more than 350 submissions from over 60 countries, an alternative
vision for the future emerged: Global legions of girls confident in their
creativity and wisdom; comfortable in their bodies and safe in their classrooms;
ready to take on the world. Not only did campaign participants reveal what
educated and empowered girls and women are capable of, these bold dreamers and
grassroots practitioners charted how we can make this vision a reality. For the
full report and more action steps download the Girls Transform the
World Advocacy Package.
1
She might be a girl in
"I want young girls to look up
to the world’s greatest role models and to learn and evolve, to look adversity
in the eye and say, 'Move over, buddy, I’m going to change the world!'"
Kirthijay |
2
Pregnancy is a leading cause for girls around the world to drop out of
school. Many of these dropouts are preventable and fueled by lack of access to
information. From
“I had to learn about my body and
sex through experiences, many of which were not healthy or safe. There was a
silence in my education around the topic.”
LatiNegra | US
3
UNICEF estimates that 10% of girls in
“As an adolescent, the only material
at my disposal for managing menstruation was toilet paper/tissue (though a
health risk and unhygienic), nor could I boldly ask my mother for sanitary
pads. It’s a taboo to discuss sexual issues with parents.”
Ikirimat |
4
For 14 million girls under age 18 who get married every year, dreams of
an education are exchanged for a husband. In some places child marriage is
legal. In others, the laws are ignored. That’s why World Pulse community
members are fighting the issue on all fronts: pursuing legal bans on the
practice, raising awareness, and providing incentives to keep girls in school.
"Child marriage is both a
symptom and a cause of ongoing development challenges, as the practice further
contributes to economic hardship, human rights violations, and under-investment
in the educational and health care needs of children."
Buumba Malambo |
5
In most of the world, primary education is free. However, there are
often hidden costs like books and uniforms. For families who rely on children
to help with agriculture and income generating activities or expect girls to
stay home to help with chores, investing in educating girls can be a tough
sell. Covering these hidden fees can help the whole family recognize the value
of educating a girl.
"One day Piniju picked up an
old piece of a writing board in the compound where she lived, put it on her
head, and started running, following other pupils to school. She forced herself
to school. It was this act of rebellion that caused her maternal aunt (whose
children she cared for) to reluctantly register her at the government primary
school in Bambalang. She was given just one school uniform that eventually got
torn due to frequent washing. However, with her worn out uniform, bathroom
slippers and a damaged bag (which her great grandmother picked up for her) she
rocked her way to school with joy."
Precious M |
6
“Shivering in the slight rain, Cheska was clutching her pencils,” writes
Libudsuroy of the
“I suggest a girl-oriented
education, one that brings about authentic empowerment. They can build a
web-based women’s school of living traditions, nurturing their own heritage of
songs, rituals, epics, crafts, games, genealogy; preserving in their mother
tongue the names and uses of forest trees, medicinal herbs, wild animals.
Online, they can discuss rights, family planning, and domestic violence. They
can harness the interactive technology to network with other women indigenous
peoples worldwide."
Libudsuroy |
7
Education isn’t just what happens in a classroom. It includes
empowerment through sports, arts, and anything that ignites a child’s inner
fire. Around the world, we see community leaders tossing aside
one-size-fits-all approaches to education to create new opportunities for girls
to shine. Stacey Rozen of
"The true purpose of education
is to engage minds, in any way possible. For an educated girl with transferable
hand skills coupled with self worth, bountiful possibilities await.”
Stacey Rozen |
8
Despite powerful efforts to educate families and shift cultural
attitudes to value girls’ education, many girls have already slipped through
the cracks. Innovative programs target girls who have already dropped out, or
have faced interruptions in their schooling. Flexible solutions like online and
distance learning accommodate students who are older or face unique life circumstances,
and advance the goal of extending education and opportunity to ALL.
"Our community is full of
child-headed families, led by young girls, who are forced to take a parental
role before their time. In the end their education suffers. Most of them never
reach their potential."
Gaok |
9
Fear holds many girls back from education. There are girls in every
region of the world who face sexual abuse from teachers and trusted adults.
Others face abuse in the home that erodes their sense of worth and their
performance in school. In conflict regions, there is violence and instability
to contend with. By addressing root causes of violence, refusing to remain
silent, and providing trusted spaces for girls to speak up and escape violence,
we can give these girls a fighting chance at a future.
"I wonder, what educational
future will these girls have if they cannot be safe going to school?”
Aya Chebbi |
10
Not sure where to start? Think about the impact a single educated and
empowered girl can make on her family, her country, and the world. Read some of
the inspiring stories
of women who benefited from investment in their education, and the heroic
teachers, mentors, and community members who made their success possible.
"We don't have to take on the
impossible goal of creating a seed. All we need to do is plant it. Someone else
can water it, another will fertilize, others can prune and soon enough we will
all enjoy the fruits of this combined labor."
Radiocami | US/Venezuela