The Fight for Female Education around the Globe
In America, going to school as girls and young women to receive an education is something that has simply been a part of life. Many of us complain because we are somewhat forced to attend school throughout the beginning of life, but we often take our opportunities for granted. Around the world, there are still places that do not give females equal access to education as they do to men. There are over 20 nations that still discriminate against girls and women by not allowing them to receive an education that will prepare them for their futures. By preventing females from getting an education, these countries are not only depriving them of a basic right, but also greatly shrinking their chances of making a social change and being informed on how to properly make decisions and health choices. It is the twenty-first century, and it is time to make a change and give everyone the opportunity to learn and get the education they deserve.
The article “Malala Yousafzai”, written by biography.com, is about Malala Yousafzai, a children's and women's rights activist who stood up against the Taliban as a young girl and declared that women should have the basic right of receiving an education. Malala's father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, founded a school that Malala attended. When the Taliban began a series of attacks on schools for girls, Malala spoke out in a speech in September 2008, titled, “How Dare the Taliban Take Away My Basic Right to Education?” Malala’s bravery was moving, but it also landed her in trouble. At only 14 years-old, Malala was issued a death threat by the Taliban. Despite the event being frightening, Malala and her family did not believe the group would actually hurt her. Unfortunately, they were wrong. On October 9th, 2012, Malala was riding on the school bus when a man boarded and firmly asked to be informed of which girl Malala was. Girls looking at Malala exposed her location, allowing the man to shoot at her, initially hitting the left side of her head. Luckily, Malala’s life was spared, but she was left in critical condition. She had to go through many surgeries but was not left with any brain damage. Once news of her shooting spread, many people across the world began showing Malala an immense amount of support. She ended up writing an autobiography: I am Malala. The Girl Who Stood up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban. Despite the Taliban’s threats, Malala continues to be an advocate for education rights and was even awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Malala is one of many girls who were treated unfairly just for standing up for their rights to receive an education, proving how important the issue of equal education among females is in developing countries.
Due to the lack of educational rights for women in the Middle East, different organizations have formed to give women the learning they deserve. One organization is called the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL). Formed by Dr. Sakena Yacuobi in the 1990s, this organization started in Pakistanian refugee camps where there were “no educational opportunities”. Eighty “secret schools” were formed by AIL during the Taliban regime for about 3,000 Afghan girls. In 2001, these schools closed, and AIL expanded and opened more learning centers. AIL’s mission statement is to provide education, training, and health services to vulnerable Afghans in order to foster self-reliance, critical thinking skills, and community participation throughout Afghanistan and Pakistan. This organization provides pre-school through secondary level classes for girls and women of different ages. To donate to this organization, on the AIL website there is a “how to donate” section under the “support” tab and there will be a blue button available click to donate by credit card. This organization plays a huge role in many middle eastern women’s lives and without it they might have not received the education they deserve.
Education should not be something anyone has to fight for. Women and girls should be allowed equal access to learning so they have the opportunities they deserve to grow and make an impact on the world. Malala and millions of other girls around the globe have been treated unfairly just because they took a stand and fought for their rights. Women have come very far through hard work and determination, and if they continue to prove that they are worthy of what the world has to offer, they will do great things.
Works Cited
Http://www.afghaninstituteoflearning.org/. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.afghaninstituteoflearning.org/>
"Malala Yousafzai." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2016. <http://www.biography.com/people/malala-yousafzai-21362253>.