Dear Activist,

Young women everywhere are robbed of a proper and secure education. Their communities have failed them as they lack a solid foundation that is necessary to thrive in the world. Worldwide, 132 million girls are out of school, which is 132 million too many. This number includes 34.3 million primary school and 67.4 million of upper-secondary school aged girls.

According to UNICEF, if we invest in girls’ education, the “lifetime earnings of girls increase, national growth rates rise, child marriage declines, child mortality rates fall, maternal mortality rates fall, and child stunting drops.” Girls’ education “contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals – including boys and men – the opportunity to fulfill their potential.” Educated women know more about nutrition, marry at an appropriate age, and birth healthier children. Additionally, girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces disparities.

The obstacles girls face, however, do not only concern receiving schooling. Young women should feel safe and supported in the subjects and careers they hope to pursue. They should be able to complete all levels of education; acquire the knowledge and skills to succeed in certain fields; practice decision making; and contribute to their communities in beneficial ways.

The Causes of the Lack of Girls’ Education

As of now, 66 percent of countries have attained gender equality in primary education. Poverty, gender-based violence, country policies, sanitation, and child marriage act as obstacles to girls’ education. While the conditions of every community differ from one another, poor families generally invest in a boy’s education.

Poverty is one of the driving factors for determining girls’ schooling. According to the World Bank, girls who encounter “multiple disadvantages are farthest behind in terms of access to and completion of education.” Gender-based violence also impacts a girl’s education. Girls often walk long distances to school, which increases the risk of sexual assault and other forms of violence. Approximately 60 million girls experience assault at or on their way to school each year; the violence takes a toll on the girls’ mental and physical health and leads to more dropouts.

Child marriage is another pressing issue that correlates to fewer girls in school. Those who marry at a young age are more likely to drop out of school and never finish schooling. In general, these children are prone to high levels of violence perpetrated by their partner and will birth children at an early age.

Adequate sanitation and hygiene also account for the low number of girls in schools. Most schools do not meet the safety and sanitation needs of girls; periods and menstruation are usually stigmatized, and the schools cannot supply young women with the proper resources.

Country and state policies also interfere with girls’ schooling as they enforce laws that deny these people the right to an education. While there are laws allowing child marriage and discrimination, these young women are not protected in schools.

Activate Change

We are the voice of the voiceless. This is a new generation of young women who our justice and legislative systems have failed to support. We must act on these inequalities immediately and guarantee these young women an independent future. People in power cannot dictate the role of education in a girl’s life. They deserve to attend schools, learn, and work in male-dominated fields. Their futures can no longer be in the hands of others.

• Research and tackle poverty, child marriage, and other injustices that are the root causes of the lack of education for these young women.
• Sponsor a girl! By sponsoring a girl, you can help give necessary items to them and their families.
• Advocate for education initiatives. Through organizations and projects, you can supply classrooms with textbooks or meals.
• Teach others to be gender aware. Because some people insist that men are more intelligent than women, you must educate people on these common stereotypes and break those barriers.
• Support Girl Up, Girl Rising, the Malala Fund, the Mona Foundation, and other organizations working towards girls’ education.
• Donate to the Her Story campaign through Global G.L.O.W., an organization preparing young women for sustainable futures.
• Seek knowledge and continue to educate yourself on this issue. You must initiate the conversation and continue to advocate for these girls.

We can guide these girls towards a future free from outside influences. Most are brainwashed into believing they are not capable of supporting themselves and are giving in to society’s standards. These girls are leaders, and we are hurting ourselves by not helping them receive schooling. We are the source of hope for the young girl who longs to read books, who values writing and knowledge, and who aspires to become a future female in power.

Cordially,

Nika Tarkian