In a powerful speech at the Women's Forum Global Meeting in Paris, held on November 28th and 29th, Tawakkol Karman, the Nobel laureate and prominent human rights advocate,
called for urgent action to address the global education crisis faced by girls and women, emphasizing that education is not only a fundamental right but also a catalyst for change, progress, and peace.
Shedding light on the stark reality that numerous girls worldwide are unjustly denied the opportunity to acquire knowledge, Karman, renowned as the mother of revolution, resolutely emphasized the fundamental right of girls to education on par with boys. She stressed that educating girls acts as a catalyst, empowering them to make informed decisions, expanding their horizons, and yielding benefits not only for themselves but also for their families, communities, and nations.
Bringing forth concerning data, Karman shed light on the distressing statistics that indicate around 61 million girls are presently unable to attend school due to diverse obstacles like cultural norms, poverty, and discrimination. She underlined the striking disparity, emphasizing that girls from similar backgrounds are four times more likely to be deprived of education compared to boys, thereby emphasizing the injustice and the detrimental impact on societal development and prosperity.
Recognizing the enduring challenges that hinder girls' access to education, including poverty, child labor, inadequate sanitation, conflicts, racism, and emergencies, Karman emphasized the necessity for shared responsibility in dismantling these barriers and creating an environment where every girl can flourish. She specifically drew attention to the discrimination experienced by Muslim girls in France, stressing the importance of combating Islamophobia and upholding principles of equality and citizenship within contemporary societies.
With great fervor, Karman underscored the imperative of safeguarding education in the midst of a range of threats and perils, including terrorism, war, tyranny, armed conflicts, extremism, poverty, and diseases. As a citizen of Yemen, she placed utmost importance on ending the war in her country and ensuring that the parties involved are held responsible for reconstructing schools while providing support to teachers and students. Karman emphasized the significance of establishing and executing educational initiatives to bridge the educational gap resulting from years of interrupted schooling due to the conflict.
Addressing women and girls directly, Karman acknowledged their resilience and emphasized that their pursuit of education is a beacon of hope that illuminates the path to a brighter future for all. She encouraged them to see education as their armor and shield against adversity, empowering them to overcome challenges and dismantle discriminatory barriers.
Karman issued a compelling appeal to governments and leaders across the globe, urging them to prioritize investment in education, with a particular focus on girls, as it represents an investment in the prosperity of nations. She called for the implementation of policies that empower rather than oppress, emphasizing the importance of supporting educators and creating an environment where schools serve as sanctuaries of knowledge. Additionally, Karman called upon the international community to unite as advocates for change, supporting initiatives that offer educational resources in conflict zones, challenging discriminatory laws, and championing education for all.
In conclusion, the mother of revolution emphasized the need for prompt action from women, girls, governments, and the global community to guarantee unhindered access to quality education for every girl, free from discrimination or conflict. She urged all individuals to actively contribute as architects of change, striving towards a world where education transcends limitations, enabling every girl to pursue her aspirations and dreams.
Herein follows the speech transcript:
Ladies and esteemed guests, Today, I stand before you in solidarity to address a matter of utmost importance – the education of girls and women. Education is not just a right but a powerful catalyst for change, progress, and peace.
In many parts of the world, millions of girls are denied the opportunity to learn, perpetuating cycles of inequality. Let us be clear: girls have the same right to education as boys. When we educate our girls, we empower them to make informed choices, expanding the horizons of possibilities for not only themselves but for their families, communities, and nations.
The statistics are stark - around 61 million girls are out of school, facing barriers like cultural norms, poverty, and discrimination. We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that girls are four times more likely to be out of school than boys from similar backgrounds. This is not just an injustice; it is a missed opportunity for societal growth and prosperity.
Empowering girls through education is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic one. A woman's education is not just about her; it's about uplifting entire communities. It sparks economic growth, breaking the chains of poverty and creating a more sustainable future.
Moreover, the benefits of educating girls ripple through generations. From reducing child mortality rates combating diseases to preventing child marriages – education is the key that unlocks a brighter future for all.
Yet, numerous barriers persist. Poverty, child labor, lack of sanitation, conflicts, racism and emergencies are among the formidable challenges that hinder girls from accessing education. It is our collective responsibility to dismantle these barriers and pave the way for a future where every girl can thrive.
We cannot turn a blind eye to the struggles faced by girls who, due to conflict, find themselves deprived of education. The collapse of educational systems, the destruction of schools,
The discrimination faced by Muslim girls in France is a stark reminder that even in societies that pride themselves on secular values, prejudice can find its way into policies that directly impact the education of girls. It is a call to action against Islamophobia and a reaffirmation of the values of equality and citizenship that should guide modern societies.
As we navigate these challenges, let us remember that education is not just about imparting knowledge; it is a gateway to empowerment, equality, and peace. It is a force that transcends boundaries, bringing together people from different walks of life in a shared pursuit of progress.
protect education:
I can’t think of a more important time than protecting education. The threat to education is no longer restricted to poor countries or countries at war, but it has spread to rich and stable countries since the outbreak of Covid-19. Protecting education means supporting teachers, funding schools, taking care of students’ physical and mental health. It means having economic justice that allows parents to send their children to school. It means having sustainable peace.
It means to have collective actions to protect education from potential threats and risks like terrorism, war, tyranny, armed conflicts, extremism, and also from poverty and diseases.
The most important threat for me personally now is the continuation of the war. As a Yemeni citizen my priority to protect education is ending the war and holding the waring parties accountable to rebuild the schools and support teachers and student. Most importantly, creating and implementing educational mechanisms to help bridge the gap caused by staying out of school during the years of the war.
When we protect education now, it will protect us in the future.
To women and girls, leaders of today and tomorrow,
In this moment, I want to address you directly – the powerful, resilient, and brilliant force that shapes the destiny of nations. Your pursuit of education is not just a personal journey; it is a beacon of hope that illuminates the path to a brighter future for us all.
To the women and girls who have faced the devastation of conflict, the discrimination in foreign lands, and the struggles of displacement – your resilience is awe-inspiring. Remember, education is your armor, your shield against adversity. It is the key that unlocks doors of opportunity and dismantles barriers erected by discrimination.
In the face of war, like the incredible women in Yemen and Gaza, continue to stand tall. Let your thirst for knowledge be a testament to your strength, turning the echoes of destruction into the melody of resilience. Your education is not just a personal victory; it is a triumph for your families, your communities, and the world.
To those experiencing discrimination, particularly Muslim girls in France, know that your right to education is non-negotiable. You are not defined by the narrow perspectives of others. Wear your hijab with pride, and let the world witness your brilliance. Remember, your education is a rebellion against discrimination, a testament to the fact that no policy can extinguish the flame of your potential.
To governments and leaders around the globe, the call for action is unequivocal. Invest in education, particularly for girls, for it is an investment in the prosperity of nations. Break down discriminatory policies, whether in conflict zones or in societies that claim secular values. Your commitment to education shapes the legacy of your leadership.
It is time to move beyond rhetoric and into action. Governments, ensure that every girl has access to quality education, regardless of her circumstances. The future of nations is intricately tied to the education of their women and girls. Make policies that empower, not oppress. Support educators and ensure that schools are sanctuaries of knowledge, not battlegrounds.
To the international community, let us stand together as advocates for change. Our collective voice is a force that can break down barriers and create opportunities. Support initiatives that provide educational resources in conflict zones, challenge discriminatory laws, and champion the cause of education for all.
In conclusion, women and girls, governments, and the global community, the time is now. The journey towards education is a journey towards empowerment, equality, and a brighter future. Let us be architects of change, sculpting a world where every girl can pursue her dreams unencumbered by discrimination or conflict.
Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, and your commitment to a world where education knows no boundaries. Together, let us write a new chapter where every girl, regardless of her circumstances, can stand tall, empowered by knowledge, and ready to shape the future.
With unwavering hope and determination,
