Every year on March 8th we celebrate International Women’s Day, a date that invites us to reflect on the progress made and the challenges we still face in the fight for gender equality. One of the fundamental pillars for achieving this equity is education. Education not only empowers women, but is also a key driver for the economic and social development of communities.
Education is a basic and essential human right that transforms lives. However, girls and women around the world continue to face significant barriers to accessing quality education. From lack of infrastructure to gender stereotypes and restrictive cultural norms, many face challenges that limit their opportunities to learn and thrive.
According to the United Nations, there are 122 million girls out of school worldwide. Adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 in South Asia are three times more likely than boys to be out of school, not working or not in training. Almost 4 out of 10 adolescent girls and young women worldwide do not complete upper secondary education, and girls from poor rural areas and marginalized communities are even less likely to complete their schooling. Today, almost 50 million adolescent girls and young women cannot read or write a simple sentence.
The transformative power of education
Education has the power to break cycles of poverty and open up horizons. Educated women are more likely to have access to better jobs, earn higher salaries and participate in decisions that affect their lives and communities. In addition, education promotes health and well-being, both for women and their families, as an educated mother is more likely to ensure that her children also receive an education and adequate medical care.
Initiatives towards equality
To achieve gender equality in education, it is vital to implement policies and programs that address these barriers. This includes investing in adequate school infrastructure, offering scholarships and financial support, facilitating access to learning technologies, and educating communities about the importance of equal education for girls and boys.
International organizations, governments, and activists work tirelessly to close the education gap and create safe and inclusive learning environments. Sexual and reproductive education is another critical area, as it empowers young women with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and their lives.
A call to action
From the FUNIBER Social Action department, in collaboration with UNIB, on this International Women’s Day, we highlight our collective responsibility to promote gender equality through education. We also call on governments, educational institutions, civil society and every individual to come together to build a world where every woman, regardless of her place of birth, race or economic status, has the opportunity to learn, grow and lead.
