day 30 - facing impediments, threats... and still, an education (Friday's post)

Earlier in the project, we discussed impediments to women’s education. These roadblocks may prevent a girl from attending school, no matter how much she wishes to attend. For example, it may be more of a priority to educate a son instead of a daughter (especially if the family lacks the means to send all of their children). Traditional mindsets often establish women’s roles in the home, and not in the classroom – and certainly not as a businesswoman or political representative. Even if a girl is able to obtain an education, she may be vulnerable as they walk the long distance to and from school.

 

I found a New York Times article, “Afghan Girls, Scarred by Acid, Defy Terror, Embracing School” (from 2009, but still very relevant) about such impediments to women’s education in Afghanistan. The article illustrates perhaps the most extreme examples of preventing girls from going to school: Under the Taliban regime, people were rewarded for doing whatever they could against women’s education (ironically, the word “Taliban” means “student”). According to the article, a group of Taliban offered “$2,500 for killing a teacher; $3,700 for burning a school; $1,200 for spraying acid on school girls”. A number of female students were attacked and sprayed with battery acid on their way to school.

I cannot imagine living with the fear of being attacked simply for going to school, all because of my gender. But what is even more astounding is how the girls defy this danger because of the importance of education to them. And in contrast to other regions where families are a primary impediment to their daughters’ education, the parents of these girls urge them to go to school because they understand the opportunities an education provides. Dexter Filkins, the author of the article, says it best: “Women in Afghanistan are held to be lesser beings than men; they are accorded fewer rights and fewer opportunities. But build a school for girls, and the girls will come. They will face down death to come. And their illiterate parents will support them. Their illiterate parents will push them out the door.”

Yes, impediments to women’s education do exist. But what is so inspiring is how much these girls value an education for their future, despite anything that might go against them. These girls are the ones that will become leaders in their communities. They're standing up for their rights. And we can help empower these girls through education.

Please consider making a charitable donation to the Campaign for Female Education through the link “Donate” on the right.

Janna