Despite evidence demonstrating how central girls’ education is to development, gender disparities in education persist. Globally, 8 in 10 girls of secondary school are not in school. (UNESCO)
Why? The key barriers to girls’ education, especially secondary education, include poverty, parents' inability to pay school fees, cultural norms like child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) for a bride price, and schools without adequate hygiene facilities for girls during menstruation. All of these factors are present in poor rural settings.
Yet, when investments are made in girls’ secondary education:
The lifetime earnings of girls dramatically increase
National economic growth rates rise
Child marriage rates decline
Child mortality rates fall
Maternal mortality rates fall
Child stunting drops
So how do we address all of these barriers? One approach is called Alternative Rites of Passage. Learn more below.
World Vision: Alternative Rites of Passage
It's one of the most high-impact components of our Kenya Big Dream program - especially as it relates to girls' education - Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP).
In many cultures, girls must go through the dangerous practice of FGM as her rite of passage into womanhood. ARP is an alternative way for girls to come of age without "the cut". But what is it really?
ARP is a week-long training seminar for children and young people in a community. Through about 24 hours of instruction and discussion, girls and boys gain important information in a variety of areas including: their rights as children, the harmful effects of FGM, adolescence and body changes, and the importance of education.
At the end of the week, a graduation ceremony and celebration is held where all of the community members come together—parents, leaders, teachers, pastors, and of course, the young people who share what they've learned and what it means to them.
“I did not know the dangers of FGM before the training on ARP. I have 4 older sisters, and all got the cut and now married off. But now we know better, and my parents are also sensitized and they have not forced me into it." —Charity, 16
“I will marry a girl who went to school, not one who went for FGM. And when I grow up, I will make sure I educate both my sons and daughters equally." —Daniel Morino, 15
“I realized these are good people. They teach us many things, to value our children and educate girls for a better future."
—Chepokrop , mother of 3 daughters
ARPs are helping to shift attitudes that have been in place for centuries, and it's not only the girls who benefit. The entire community is empowered with knowledge and a shared vision for a better future.
Charity on the left, Daniel on the right
Chepokrop with her daughters and a World Vision staff member
Partner Spotlight: Breegan Jane
"With bright eyes and gleaming smiles, they flooded me with a chorus of “thank you’s” as I stood there with an overflowing gratitude of my own to give. I smiled, but pure disbelief washed over me as I silently pondered how these girls who had been through so much could be thanking me. My donations seemed to pale in comparison to their journeys.
I visited Kenya in 2018. That trip, and all I learned and witnessed there, undoubtedly left an indelible mark on my heart. I can remember learning about the horrors of FGM and child marriage, and knowing that there was so much greater waiting for the people of this region…but how? How could we make a difference, a change significant enough to result in the cessation of these practices?
The answer lies in getting to the root of it all. That’s what Kenya Big Dream (KBD) is all about! We understand that educating the girls and boys in West Pokot, Kenya empowers them to stand in the fullness of their God-given identity, and it equips them with the tools for economic success in their communities. FGM is replaced with Alternative Rites of Passage, and entire communities are better for it! KBD is more than restricting or ending a practice. It aims to transform the way people think. That is how we make a difference. That is how we cause a seismic shift that permanently alters the course of a young woman’s life. KBD gives her the ability to become a leader that will one day help others to do the same.
Those faces with wide-eyed grins held so much promise, and we will not fail them. Our collective efforts are changing lives."
Breegan is a designer, entrepreneur, lifestyle expert and philanthropist in Los Angeles. She's a lifelong partner of World Vision and a Strong Women Strong World™ Council member.
Thursday, September 8 | International Literacy Day. A great opportunity to share your thoughts about girls' education on your social media channels.
Tuesday, October 11| Virtual Event celebrating Day of the Girl. Kenya Big Dream: The Power of Hope. Details and registration link coming soon.
Friday, December 2| Strong Women Strong World Annual Summit and Luncheon. We're planning to be "in person" back in New York City at 583 Park Avenue! Details and registration link coming soon.
Ways to make a difference:
Raise awareness | Help us inform more people about the obstacles women and girls in the developing world face and inspire them to take action. You can engage with our posts on Facebook and Instagram,or forward this newsletter to someone you think would appreciate it.
Use your influence | Help us pass the Keeping Girls in SchoolAct in both the House and Senate by taking 5 minutes to fill out this quick and easy online form. Thank you!
Invest in women and girls | Now you can double your impact.Every $1 given to the Strong Women Strong World™ Fund will be matched* with a $1 donation to programs that empower women and girls, thanks to our generous SWSW partner, Clean Water Here. Gifts to the SWSW Fund from July 1 through September 30, 2022 will directly support the Kenya Big Dream project.
*up to $12 million
Our community in action: Last month
Concordia Americas Summit | Last month, Strong Women Strong World™ convened World Vision's delegation in Miami where Jorge Galeano, WV National Director of Honduras and Guatemala, delivered this passionate 9-minute talk Creating Hope at Home: Building Resilience to Mitigate Migration.
Aspen Invitational Bike Ride | Shout out to SWSW Council member Sherree Funk and her husband who participated in the annual Brake the Cycle 100k ride to raise funds for clean water in rural Zambia
Made to THRIVE Event | Thank you to SWSW Council members Robin Phillips, Cheryl Ryan, and Sherrie Woodring for sharing your wisdom and amazing stories at our powerful economic empowerment virtual event.
World Vision's Strong Women Strong World™
helps keep girls and women at the center of global community development, advocacy,
and emergency response work. Together, we can continue making a difference
in the lives of women and girls and accelerate communities’ progress out of poverty.
In 2021, 90 percent of World Vision's total operating expenses were used for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need. Learn More.
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