Students at Jesuit-run Moran Memorial School gain knowledge, skills, and confidence that empower them to succeed and contribute to their communities. Photo: MMS
On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, February 11, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) highlights the importance of girls’ education and the need to recognize education as a human right.
CJI, which works with the poor and marginalized in the Global South, supports projects that enable young women and girls to receive safe, free and quality education.
One such partner, the Jesuit-run Moran Memorial School in Nepal, educates the children of tea estate workers and children from the Rajbanshi tribe, with a focus on educating girls. Girls have always been expected to help in the home and work in the fields. Today, thanks to the school’s advocacy, parents see the benefits of formal education for both girls and boys. Girls now make up 49% of the student body.
Ensuring that all girls and young women receive a safe, free and quality education must be a global development goal. When a girl is educated, it not only increases her own potential to get a job and earn money. It benefits not only her family, but also her community.
As the UN notes in today’s observance, “Tackling some of the challenges of the Agenda for Sustainable Development – from improving health to combating climate change – will depend on harnessing all talent. “
Girls must be guaranteed an education that allows them to fulfill their potential in all fields, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“Diversity in research expands the pool of talented researchers, bringing new perspectives, talent and creativity,” the UN said. “This day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened.”
Together, we can and must demand safe, free and quality education for girls.
