Glamour Magazine hosted their “The Power of an Educated Girl” event this past week in New York. The panel hosted First Lady Michelle Obama, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Plan International girl advocate Nurfahada, and activists Charlize Theron and Sophia Bush. The group of influential women came together to raise awareness for female education. The panel welcomed young females from around the world and allowed them to ask a series of questions. The hard-pressing topic came in regards to barriers that prevent female education. These barriers included cost, traditional beliefs, early pregnancy, and even HIV/AIDS.
"Most of the problems we have in the world are because half the population doesn't have access to education,” Theron stated. It is proven that girls who stay in school are less susceptible to infection (HIV/AIDS) and early pregnancy. Education allows women to take a stand in their own life and even look into a future career. This hope for a career decreases the chance of poverty and hunger for not only the female involved, but also her future family. Along with this, education provides social enrichment. Young girls are allowed to develop within themselves, as well as with others. They are given the opportunity to make a difference in the world and contribute to international growth, whether it be in the arts, science, or politics. Without this growth, it is easy for them to be left behind in the world.
The problem is clear to see, but how do we fix it? According to these women, the first step is speaking up. Raising awareness of the lack of education around the world sheds light on the issues that need attention. Action results from advocacy. The White House's Let Girls Learn initiative sheds light on the 62 million girls who suffer from these barriers around the world. Let Girls Learn works with the Peace Corps to provide volunteers that work with families and community leaders in order to identify these barriers and provide development and support to overcome them. However, this problem will not be solved in the next couple of years. It is going to take decades to uncover a long term solution for educating girls around the world. A strong advocacy is likely to come from educated females.
“We cannot afford to take these opportunities here in the United States for granted." –Michelle Obama
The United States provides an opportunity for free education up to the high school level. Michelle Obama is even working toward decreasing the cost of a college education for many. These opportunities are what the 62 million girls around the world yearn for, and many in the U.S. take it for granted. The panel emphasized the importance of appreciating an education. The ability to learn and grow is a gift that should not be misused. It is important to strive for an education, as a female, in order to create a voice for those who cannot speak. Success derives from prioritizing this education.
Mrs. Obama made it clear that, in order to put education first, you cannot be afraid of “cleaning house." She states “You will not be successful hanging around people that drag you down. You have to fill your bucket with positive energy, and if you have people hanging around you that are bringing you down and not lifting you up, whether that’s your boo or your best friend, you’ve got to learn how to push those people to the side. And you’re going to be doing that for the rest of your lives.”
Never lose sight of why you are where you are. As college students, we are all here for one main reason--to get an education. We are here to receive that precious gift that many are literally dying to receive. Do not take it for granted. Immerse yourself in your work and make it something to be proud of. Throughout this, continue to shed the light on the importance of female education around the world. Even a small impact can lead to a growth of ideas and changes.
On a final note, ladies; compete with the boys, but don’t get caught up in them. Do not let a boy, or anyone, for that matter, talk you down. You do not want to be with someone who does not appreciate a smart young lady.
“If I worried about who liked me and who thought I was cute when I was your age, I wouldn’t be married to the President of the United States.”
Take it from Michelle Obama. She seems to be doing something right.
For more information about the Let Girls Learn campaign visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/letgirlslearn
You can watch The Power of an Educated Girl livestream at: http://www.glamour.com/inspired/blogs/the-conversa...
