Depending on where you
live around the Globe, education (K-12) can be considered an option,
requirement, or privilege. Jennifer Buffett president of NOVO Foundations, an organization that seek
to end
violence and exploitation against girls and women worldwide, writes about the
struggle many girls face to receive a safe education in her article “Make schools safe for
girls everywhere”. A 14 year old girl name Malala from Pakistan was shot by the
Taliban because she spoke out against the suppression of women educational
rights. Violence amongst girls (and women) restricts where they can go and when
they can go places. Some parents keep their daughters out of school because
they fear they could be harmed. What about the violence in the home? Nearly
half of the teen girls in developing countries are married with most being
before the age of 15. This put them in risk of being sexually and/or physically
abused by their much older husband.
According to
Buffett, nearly half of sexual assaults around the world are committed against
girls 15 years of age and younger. A recent study that took place in Swaziland,
found that sexual violence against kids was greater amongst those who were not
attending school. According to Jennifer Buffett, this study suggests that educational
opportunities decrease ones vulnerability to violence. How so? Girls in school
have an opportunity to escape early marriage, and early pregnancy. They have an
opportunity to learn how to be more economically, socially, and financially
powerful. They are able to learn the skills and trades they may need to live a
better life.
Education is important for families across the
globe. If girls become better educated, and better protected against the violence
they have become prone to, they can live better life for themselves and their
families. Better education for girls mean more future female role models, and
teachers. More educated women can help adolescent girls get through a very
difficult period in life. A girl who is educated has a chance to live a happier
and healthier lifestyle. With education she can learn to be a better mother,
employee, and citizen when she is older. Education is important for everyone.
We as human beings must do what we can to keep young girls safe. We must do
what we can to help young girls receive an education in a safe manner. An
education they can get without dealing with harassments and sexual misconduct
from people on her way to school, or even her teachers. According to the above
article, 2,000 cases of teacher rapes in Zambia were reported in 2010 with only
240 teachers being convicted. While it is important to get girls in school, it
is equally important to ensure they are being protected when they seek
education.
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