(NC) Education is a fundamental human right and an essential component to change; however, 130 million girls across the world are denied access to quality education and the basic right to choose their own path. Girls can often be put in vulnerable situations where they may feel powerless and trapped while exposed to violence, poverty, forced marriage or sexual exploitation.
Organizations like Children Believe work in-field in areas like Africa, India, and Central and South America to empower, elevate and enhance opportunities for young women and girls worldwide, helping to break barriers so they can stay in the classroom and become leaders within their communities.
Here’s how access to female education and resources can create opportunities and have an impact worldwide:
It can prevent child labour
Due to poverty and lack of resources, some children may be forced out of the classroom to work and support their families. They are often faced with unsafe environments and exploitative circumstances. As an example, Panjavarnam was at risk of leaving school to work and support her family. But, through access to quality education and services, which ensured her family had access to resources like chicken and goats, she could fulfill her educational goals and provide for her family in a way that could sustain them long-term.
It can protect against early marriage
In some communities, it is a cultural norm to marry off children at a young age, sometimes leaving young females at risk of being abused by their partners and preventing continued education. Fortunately, having access to education equips girls with knowledge, tools and opportunities which can, in turn, support their families and reduce the need for them to enter into early child marriage as a means of security.
Together, we can continue to improve the lives of marginalized women and girls in developing communities worldwide and offer barrier-breaking support to provide opportunities for female education.
Learn more about how you can make a donation and help shape a girl’s future at childrenbelieve.ca.
