Education is the Key to Empower Girls

“Education is education. We should learn everything and then choose which path to follow. Education is neither Eastern nor Western, it is human.” — one of Malala Yousafzai’s powerful quotes. She is a Pakistani activist for female education.

She voices the importance of education and how it could provide more knowledge/perspective to the recipient. For without it, an individual won’t be able to make a sound decision. An example she used was voting. Women are allowed to vote, but not all are given the right to get an education. Hence how would they know what to vote for and why?

According to UN Women, just 39 percent of rural girls attend secondary school. Theirworld.org noted that a country’s productivity and economic growth could be boosted by a relatively well-educated female population, believing that failing to educate girls to the same level as boys costs some countries more than $1 billion per year.

In many underdeveloped or developing countries, women at a young age of 12 would be married or are expected to get married. Instead of getting a book in their hand, a girl is handed a mop or a rolling pin to learn to cook and clean because to be an adequate wife.

I believe this is wrong!

Growing up in India, I was exposed to poverty and seeing a bunch of women (including those my age) unable to have the privilege nor access to education. I have seen this problem first hand, whether it was on the streets or as I was going to an orphanage to donate books and clothes. There were girls my age struggling to read or write simple words, although they were so intrigued about the idea of a book and wanted to learn —it is always encouraging and comforting seeing more and more schools and NGOs taking the initiative to help out to stop child marriage in rural areas, and instead of pushing for them to get an education.

One of such NGOs that has significantly supported girls’ education is the Malala Foundation. They state that the goal of the organization is to ensure 12 years of free, safe, and quality education for every girl.

Malala grew up in Pakistan, where girls weren’t favored as patriarchy was dominant. Unlike many girls, Malala was able to go to school and get a very good education from her dad, who ran the school in her village. In 2012, she voiced a speech to advocate for women and even got shot shortly after on her way home from school due to her stand. Thankfully Malala recovered and was even more determined to fight for women’s education. With the help of her father, she started the Malala Fund and she went on to get the Nobel Peace Prize in December 2014 and became the youngest-ever Nobel laureate. Malala is an inspiration to every girl with her dedication and compassion to make education a reality for everyone.

Malala has contributed tremendously to women’s education, and we can help continue supporting and advocating for women’s education. Now we don’t have to all start our own foundation but there are many ways to help and make an impact in the society. Donating to foundations that sponsor education in rural countries is one example. Joining a service club in a school or community centre that provides for education or tutoring your helpers or drivers can also be a solution and potential next step to take! Or giving away old books to orphanages to help improve literacy. There are many small, simple ways we can help. If we each contribute and do our part, little by little, more girls can go to school and get an education at the age of 12 and not get married off.

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One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.” - Malala Yousafzai