Improving Education for Girls Around the World: An Interview with Wanda Bedard, Founder of 60 million Girls
Jenna Ryan, External Affairs
November 4th, 2019
According to an estimate by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), approximately 130 million girls between the ages of 6 and 17 are not in school. 32 million of these girls are primary aged, living in various regions of the Global South, and are affected by barriers within their communities such as poverty and lack of security.
There are many organizations that are currently working to fight this phenomenon worldwide. For example, Wanda Bedard’s Montreal based volunteer organization, 60 Million Girls, is a platform that works to address the barriers that prevent education for girls. In an interview withWanda, we discussed her organization, and why girls in particular are disproportionately affected in receiving education.
What are some of the objectives and focus points of 60 Million Girls?
Our main goal as an organization is to support quality education for the most vulnerable and marginalized girls in the world. We mostly target rural areas because it is the most difficult place for girls to get an education. We also focus on conflict areas, refugee camps and regions that have been particularly affected by HIV/AIDS.
What are some of the main barriers that girls face in receiving a quality education?
The main barrier that girls face in receiving a quality education is poverty. Education is technically free around the world for everyone, however, schools often insist on other fees such as uniforms and exam costs that present difficulties to struggling families. Families in extreme poverty even need their children to stay at home and work in order to contribute to the household. Sometimes girls will have to stay at home and care for sick or elderly family members, or the older children may need to help take care of the younger children while their mothers are working.
Why are girls specifically more impacted by these barriers?
Girls are more impacted by these barriers for three main reasons. First, in some communities there is a belief that girls won’t contribute as much to their family as boys, which prevents parents from sending their daughters to school. Second, in some communities there aren’t schools to attend, resulting in both a lack of educated women and role models for the young girls living there. Third, in situations where a school is located in another region, families become hesitant in sending their daughters on long journeys in fear of their safety. Furthermore, in some regions, girls who live in extreme poverty are often pushed to get married and have children at a young age. After a girl has a baby, there is a very low chance of her returning to school.
What can the average student or young adult do to help eradicate these barriers and promote education for girls in the developing world?
The main thing that people can do is educate themselves about the problem. The more they know about the problem, the more they’re able to take action. Individuals can take a step further thereafter by helping to raise funds for organizations that work on improving education for girls around the world, such as 60 Million Girls. Our members, who are volunteers coming from different backgrounds and varying skill sets, utilize their positions and uniqueness in formulating new and innovative solutions to fighting these barriers to education.
Wanda noted that even though this issue is tough and complex, the increased efforts over the past ten years to support girls education has shown a positive impact. The number of girls out of school today is significantly lower than when she started 60 Millions Girls thirteen years ago. It is important not to look at a problem as too big, or too complex, to fix.
Wanda ended the interview on a powerful statement; she recognized that every action has an impact, and when people take action, they are able to help. Therefore, if there is an issue, there is always a way to have an impact.
To learn more about 60 Million Girls and their mission, visit their website:https://60millionsdefilles.org/en