Getting To Know International Contacts, Part 3
We are winding down... and this is almost my last blog assignment for Issues and Trends in Early Childhood. The course has been one of my favorite thus far. This week I had the opportunity to navigate through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) international website and was moved by the cause that has been set into place titled, International Day of the Girl Child. The resolution and/or cause is to recognize the empowerment, rights and investment in girls. Recognition of this resolution is critical, as girls play a vital role in economic growth, achievement of all Millennium Development Goals that include the eradication of the various types of poverty, and allowing girls to participate in the decisions that affect them. Allowance of "women and girls' " participation will help break the cycle of unfair practices and injustices against them and especially where education is concerned.
There are many injustices that have affected "GIRLS". Did you know that...
FACT: 31 million girls of primary school age are out of school. Of these, 17 million are expected never to enter school.
FACT: Three countries have over a million plus girls not in school. Pakistan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. These countries exhibit the highest rate of inequity in education.
FACT: There are 34 million female adolescents out of school that are missing out on the chance to learn vital skills for work and life.
FACT: Girls who do not complete an education are more likely to join the ranks of the illiterate women that represent two-thirds of the 774 million illiterate people in the world.
These numbers are astounding but with organizations and child advocates such as UNESCO that stand-up and fight for inequalities and social injustices for the voiceless, will help to put an end to these unfair barriers.
“Better Life, Better Future” Campaign
The other insight that I have gleaned is the opportunity to become involved in the, “Better Life, Better Future” campaign. This is an opportunity to become involved in helping women and girls become better prepared for their future. By investing in ways to help improve the lives and futures of girls and women in the most underprivileged countries and settings will be rewarding. I believe by partnering with advocates such as UNESCO’s Global Partnership for Girls’ and Women’s Education will help provide a solid platform, bringing together UNESCO’s unique experience in education and its extended multi-sectoral network. Partnership is extended to many organizations such as government, private sector, foundations and media and others.
Reference:
UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-
childhood/)
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteYou provided some very surprising facts in your post. I was not aware the numbers were that high on the amount of female children not in school or ever expected to attend school. It saddens me but also helps to put things in perspective as I am a mother of an 8 year old daughter, who absolutely loves going to school and has dreams of going to college. Some serious changes have got to be made in the lives of these little girls if they are ever going to have a chance to survive.
barbara,
ReplyDeletetHank you for sharing information about the International Day of the Girl Child. it is so great to hear there is a focus in other countries on the developing girl child and the role they play in society. Grea POst!
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteThank you for reporting on this. The statistics you provided are very troublesome as I had never realized there were such inequalities amongst genders worldwide. It's wonderful that UNESCO has brought this issue to light and is working to provide for girls of the world.
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your detailed and informative post! I'm still in shock by the statics that you provided in your post. In your post you said there are millions of girls that are not in school is just mind-blowing. The UNESCO Global Partnership for Girls and Women's Education has a great work to accomplish and I hope them the best. Thank you so much for sharing!