Girls’ rights are human rights!
When you help a girl to access her rights, the impact doesn’t just end there with her. When a girl is educated, nourished and protected, she shares her knowledge and skills with her family and community – a girl’s involvement in education and community can change the future of a nation.
Feed a girl – she’ll feed everyone around her.
Fact: The nutrition a girl receives as a child will affect the health of her own child when she becomes a mother. A girl with years of bad nutrition and health care can have serious problems in adolescence and into womanhood.
“Discrimination against the girl child in her access to nutrition and physical and mental health services endangers her current and future health and that of her children. An estimated 450 million adult women in developing countries are stunted as a result of childhood protein-energy malnutrition.” – The Declaration from the Beijing Women’s Conference in 1995.
Did you know we are trying to bring in a feeding program component to the girls school next year?
Keep a girl healthy – she’ll protect the health of her entire family.
Fact: Girls and boys face different health issues, not just because they are physiologically different, but because of their status in society. While physically girls are often more resilient than boys, the way they are treated from birth in comparison with their brothers often leaves them at a disadvantage.
For example, in households where boys are more highly valued that girls, boys often eat before the girls. Whatever is left over goes to the girls. Without nutritional equality, girls aren’t able to reach their full potential.
We have already seen so many ways where the health of our precious girls is failing. We are constantly looking for smart, efficient ways to bridge the gap of health care in their lives!
Educate a girl – she’ll break the cycle of poverty.
Fact: Education leads to…
a higher income
smaller, healthier families
reduced risk of HIV
more involvement in politics and decision making
“Education helps you see what is wrong with the world and gives you the confidence to question it.” – Bhanwari, 20 years old, India
Empower a girl – she’ll change the world.
Fact: Young women put back 90% of their income into their household, but men only give back 30-40%. By directing the money they earn back into the household, girls can help their families to stay healthy, secure and educated.
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Brenda says:
07/06/2011 at 15:23 (UTC 1)
Chantelle,
You always amaze me with your eloquent words. Your research and your passion are evident. I always love to read what you have to say. It draws me in – makes me want to be as involved as I can be with your ministry.
God has given you such vision for these girls, and you are changing their lives so that they, in turn, can change their world.
Be blessed, my friend. You do incredible work.
Love and hugs to all of you!
Irene says:
07/06/2011 at 18:23 (UTC 1)
Please let us know how Ramatou Mohamed is doing in her fight for health after her bowel problems.
Thank you, Irene
Esther Rohr says:
08/06/2011 at 01:47 (UTC 1)
Love and blessings to you and Rebeccah, and all the girls. May they really believe in their hearts that they are valuable.
Di says:
08/06/2011 at 07:48 (UTC 1)
Continuing to pray for you & the girls as you Educate, offer support and love to these very special young ladies.