It is important that everyone receives an education, not just boys. In fact, education is a fundamental human right as protected in Article 26 of the Universal Human Rights. The positive impacts of girls’ education are far-reaching. Empowering half the population with the knowledge and life skills to equally contribute would transform the world as we know it. Despite all the benefits of investing in girls’ education, disparities still occur.
The Current Situation
When one gender falls behind, the world suffers. Globally, 129 million girls are completely missing out on school. And the education gap between girls and boys widens as children grow. Only 49% of countries have achieved gender parity at the primary school level, 42% at the lower secondary level, and only 24% of countries have achieved gender parity at the secondary school level.
So why are so many girls out of school? There are many contributing factors.
- Child labor: Poor families often rely on the income children provide.
- Quality is inadequate: In some regions, schools do not meet the safety, hygiene, and sanitation needs of girls.
- Poverty and cost: Some families are financially unable to educate their daughters.
- War and conflict: Children in areas of conflict are less likely to complete an education.
- Gender discrimination: Some families favor investing in boys’ education over girls.
The Solution
When we invest in girls’ education, we are investing in the world and its inhabitants. Giving girls an education can:
- Strengthen economies and create job opportunities: Twice as many educated people means more working women with the potential to contribute up to $12 trillion to global growth. Moreover, gender pay gaps close as the lifetime earnings of women dramatically increase.
- Girls that receive an education raise healthier families: Educated girls are less likely to marry young or contract HIV. Therefore, child mortality rates and maternal mortality rates fall.
- Reduce the chances of war, and bounce back faster after conflict: When a country educates its girls, the chance of conflict reduces by half. That’s because an education decreases the chances of extremism thriving.
Investing in education free of gender biases benefits boys, too. In some cases, masculine stereotypes can devalue education, leading boys towards child labor and violence instead. A gender-equitable education system promotes the life skills needed for all young people to succeed.
Center For Girls Foundation Works to Promote Girls’ Education
Achieving education equity is one of the most powerful solutions in moving towards a better tomorrow for everyone.
That is why CFG provides scholarships for girls in the border regions of Northern Thailand. Supporting the most disadvantaged girls to receive a free, safe, and quality education benefits entire communities. It helps prevent human trafficking and gender biases as well as empowers girls and boys to reach their potential.
What You Can Do?
Helping to fund our scholarships puts more children from the border regions in Northern Thailand into school. You can support us on our mission by donating. It only costs 600–700 baht ($18–$21) per month for one student. Learn more and donate here.
Helping girls receive an education allows the most disadvantaged communities to thrive.
– Kristen Rive-Thomson
_________________________________________________________
‘Want to stay up-to-date? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Interested in volunteering with CFG? Let us know
Not able to come to join us in Thailand yet? Consider donating
Not able to donate today? Look for opportunities in your community to work against gender-based violence and human trafficking, as these are universal issues.