NEWS AND EVENTS
2010
Pakistan Girls’ Education Initiative Launched to tackle inequality
In a concerted effort to address gender disparities in education, Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Education, with the support of the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), the UNGEI Secretariat, the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), launched the Pakistan Girls’ Education Initiative (PGEI) on 9 December at the Pakistan National Council for Arts, Islamabad.
In Senegal, Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo addresses violence in schools
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo, known throughout West Africa and around the world for her powerful singing voice, urged students at a Dakar elementary school to speak up about what is often a silent crime: violence in schools.
UNICEF and partners help educate children displaced by conflict in DR Congo
Ujumbe Kiwabantu and her family were displaced by the conflict in DR Congo two years ago, when they fled their home and came to live with distant relatives in Walikale, a remote rainforest territory.
Launch of the UNGEI Pakistan Girls’ Education Initiative Statement
It is for a very special event that we gather here today: the launching of the Pakistan Girls’ Education Initiative (PGEI).
Child-friendly schools create opportunities for all in targeted districts across Yemen
Schools in developed countries might take some basics for granted, including skilled teachers and an atmosphere that is conducive to children’s well-being.
Every Child Belongs in School
There are 45 million children in Africa who desperately want to go to school, but can’t.
School Meals Help Young Girl Stay in School
WFP Zambia is providing school meals to 300,000 children in 829 schools in the country. School meals encourage children from poor households to go to school, stay in class and learn.
Complementary education programme puts children back to school in Eritrea
In a sustained effort to provide primary education for all, a UNICEF-supported programme of Complementary Elementary Education (CEE) is attempting to reach the children and young adults in Eritrea who had initially missed the opportunity to attend school
Child-Friendly Schools Documentary Series: Rising Voices
A UNICEF film series on education titled Rising Voices features on the newly launched ViewChange.org. Rising Voices, features six documentary films focusing on the personal stories of students in different countries and contexts in which child-friendly school policies are being implemented.
Every child has the right to education!
“The Convention on the Rights of the Child is a good example of the largest number of ratifications of any convention," remarks Kishore Singh, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education.
Workshop on Governance for FAWE Chairpersons update
For three days (17th to 19th November 2010), the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is holding a workshop on Governance at the Jacaranda Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Senegalese girls forced to drop out of school and work as domestic help
When she was eight years old, Aisatou Ba quit school and began working as a maid. Though she begged her parents to let her stay in school, the economic pressure on the family proved too strong.
Workshop on Governance for FAWE Chairpersons
For three days (17th to 19th November 2010), the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is holding a workshop on Governance at the Jacaranda Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
'Education for All' Leaders Agree Partnership is Key to Achieving Goals
More powerful messages and reinforced cooperation within countries are keys to increasing political commitment to education, said chiefs and top representatives of the Education for All convening agencies at a meeting led by UNESCO’s Director-General Irina Bokova at the United Nations.
Regional Seminar on Teacher Policies in Asia-Pacific, 17-19 November 2010, Bangkok, Thailand
UNESCO Bangkok together with the Office of Education Council of Thailand (OEC) is organizing a Regional Seminar on Teacher Policies in Asia-Pacific that will be held at Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, in Bangkok.
Focus on women and youth crucial for development in Arab region – Migiro
Ensuring jobs for young people and empowering women are vital to advance development in the Arab region, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said today, calling on countries to tap the potential of these two important segments of society.
FAWE in Uganda
As the FAWE Executive Director Dr. Codou Diaw and executive members meet with donors, partners and Friends of FAWE (FoF) all around the world to talk about FAWE’s work and hopes, the communication team is in the field capturing pictures of beneficiaries and collecting stories of human interest.
Benin on track to achieve universal primary education
Ten years since the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Benin is today on track to ensure primary education for all by 2015, provided current efforts are maintained.
Ethiopia Partners with the U.S. to Put Girls’ Education First
First Lady Azeb Mesfin has been steadfast in her determination to collaborate with USAID on the award of scholarships to meritorious girls who would otherwise have to drop out of school.
UNGEI GAC goes green
The Global Advisory Committee (GAC) of the United Nations Girls Education Initiative (UNGEI) held its first virtual meeting via UNGEI GAC partner, Cisco’s innovative TelePresence technology today.
Awaaz Do digital campaign urges Indians to speak up for the eight million children out-of-school
The Awaaz Do on-line campaign was launched today to mobilize Indian society to speak up for the more than eight million children currently out of school in the country.
Evaluation of the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI)
The UNGEI partnership is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified consultants, who will act as the International Lead Evaluator, to provide services in carrying out an evaluation of the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (as per the attached TOR).
'Recovery begins with Teachers': World Teachers' Day 5 October
Live testimonies from teachers supporting recovery worldwide and a photo exhibition which shows teachers in demanding situations are among the high points of the World Teachers’ Day celebrations on 5 October in UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.
Camfed Announces Major New Partnerships at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting
Last week, Camfed Directors Ann Cotton and Brooke Hutchinson and scholarship alumna Enita Mashika attended the prestigious Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York City.
Partnership for Girls’ Education and Gender Equality
For two days, partners from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), The Forum for African Educationalists’ (FAWE) Regional Secretariat, FAWE National Chapters and government partners gathered at the Silver Spring Hotel in Nairobi to discuss the issue of Girls’ Education and Gender Equality within the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative’ (UNGEI) vision.
Millennium Development Goals cannot be achieved without education says UNESCO Director-General
“If we want to make development sustainable, we have to invest in education,” UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova told participants at a high-level brainstorming session held during the Millennium Development Goals Summit in New York on Tuesday 22 September.
Investing in education will help advance global anti-poverty targets – UN
Top United Nations officials have stressed education as the key to progress towards achieving global social and development targets such as reducing poverty, enhancing gender equality and combating disease.
Ghana strives for universal access to primary education by abolishing school fees
School fees are widely recognized as a major barrier to achieving Millennium Development Goal 2 on universal access to primary education.
World leaders and experts meet to raise the profile of education on the development agenda
A brainstorming session to examine ways to make the case for education by showing its powerful impact on all Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will be held today, as world leaders gather in New York to review progress on the MDGs.
Many women and girls left out of development gains, UN agency reports
In spite of strides made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), large numbers of women and girls, especially those in rural areas, have been left behind and continue to live in exclusion and poverty, according to United Nations data unveiled today.
Gender equity beyond primary education
The 2010 edition of UNICEF’s ‘Progress for Children’ shows that despite advancement towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), many of the poorest and most disadvantaged children are still missing out.
UNGEI partners and Qatar to co-host Round Table on education at MDG summit
Save the Children, Qatar, UNESCO and UNICEF are co-hosting a High-Level Round Table Luncheon on the theme “The central role of education in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)” on 22 September at the forthcoming MDG Summit.
Education is the key to lasting development
As world leaders prepare to meet in New York later this month to discuss progress on the Millennium Development Goals, UNESCO’s Education for All Global Monitoring Report is releasing new data to highlight how education helps fight poverty, and empowers people with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to shape a better future.
Renewing commitments to end poverty by 2015
World leaders – possibly the largest-ever gathering of heads of state – will meet at the United Nations from 20-22 September.
UNESCO Future Forum on Gender Equality to be held in Athens (Greece) from 9-11 September
On the eve of the Millenium Development Goals Summit (New York, 20-22 September), UNESCO and the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO are organizing a Forum on the theme “Gender equality: the missing link? – Rethinking the internationally agreed development goals beyond 2015”.
Bank Pledges New Spending to Help Countries Achieve MDGs
As world leaders gather at UN headquarters next week to review MDGs progress to date, the World Bank Group has announced that it will mobilize significant new funding for health, education, and agriculture to help countries achieve their MDGs by 2015.
Strides still needed in girls' education, says women's rights expert
Education is a key component of United Nations Millennium Development Goal 3: to promote gender equality and empowerment of women.
Cape Verde: School-Meals Girl Now A Career Woman
In 1990, seven-year-old Vera Tavares starred in a WFP documentary about the nutritious lunches that were keeping her in school.
Message from UNGEI GAC Co-Chairs for Use by UNGA and MDG Summit Delegations
There have been some tremendous achievements with regard to universal primary education.
AED hosts Melinda Gates, Graça Machel, Hans Rosling and Mechai Viravaidya on TEDxChange
Please join AED on September 20, 2010 for a D.C. viewing and discussion of the global event TEDxChange, featuring Melinda Gates and other development leaders discussing the Millennium Development Goals.
MDG Summit on 20-22 September 2010 in New York
United Nations High-level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG Summit) (20-22 September 2010, New York)
Escaping poverty through education
Christine, 14, lives in a camp for displaced people near the international airport here in the Haitian capital.
Upcoming IIEP Policy Forum: Challenges of financing basic education
Revisiting solutions involving the private sector 9-10 September 2010, Paris
ZIMBABWE: Pregnancy need not put an end to education
Falling pregnant used to mean the end of school – and of much more - for girls in Zimbabwe, so a new regulation replacing immediate expulsion with maternity leave has been welcomed.
UNESCO to hold Round Table at MDG summit
UNESCO is hosting a High-Level Round Table Luncheon on the theme “Education and the Millennium Development Goals” (MDGs) on 22 September at the forthcoming MDG Summit.
Child-friendly schools make a progressive leap in Cambodia
Long Kan Buthom, 11, performs a traditional Khmer dance with ease.
UNICEF-supported child-friendly schools bring education to rural Ghana
Elizabeth, 12, is fighting to achieve a dream that was once also her father’s – completing an education.
In Côte d'Ivoire, mothers start a club to invest in the future of girls' education
Habibata Ouattara was 17 years old when she was removed from school and forced to marry a man her family had chosen for her.
Kishore Singh: Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education
Dr. Kishore Singh, who was responsible for the right to education at UNESCO for many years, was appointed as the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education by the UN Human Rights Council on 18 June 2010.
Unique education programmes brighten the future for Afghanistan's young women
The city of Herat is the setting for ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ – Khaled Hosseini’s powerful, best-selling novel about the harsh conditions of women in Afghanistan.
In rural India, improved sanitation and iron supplements help girls stay in school
Rina, 16, has copper-painted toenails and a matching floral ‘kurta,’ or blouse. A pendant of the local tribal goddess Sarna hangs from her neck.
Education at the Millennium Development Goals Summit, 20-22 September
Preparations are well under way for the High-Level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (United Nations, New York, 20-22 September 2010) which aim to halve the rate of extreme poverty in the world by 2015.
How Can the Bank Help Young Women Find Work?
When young women engage in productive work they raise their incomes, lift their families from poverty, often delay marriage and childbirth, and increase investment in their children's health and education, all important implications for poverty reduction, and potential economic growth.
May Rihani, AED takes part in a Commission on the Status of Women online discussion.
May Rihani, Senior Vice President of the Academy for Educational Development (AED), joins the Commission on the Status of Women, the Division for the Advancement of Women in an online discussion on the linkages between women’s and girls' access to and participation in formal and non-formal education and training, and their equal access to full employment and decent work.
UNICEF supports efforts to end sexual harassment of girls and women in Bangladesh
Hundreds of people, many of them adolescents, rallied in the streets of Narsingdi district recently to call for an end to ‘Eve teasing’ – a term used to describe the public bullying of girls and women by boys and men
Free primary education: A stepping stone towards a better future for Liberia
At 6 a.m., Atleta Suomie is already hard at work sweeping the floor and arranging the merchandise in her family’s small store
Education in Sudan – AED Expert Speaks on CSPAN
Speaking on CSPAN last week in a panel discussion, Elizabeth Leu, senior education advisor with the AED Global Education Center, shared her expertise on efforts to improve education in Sudan, a country that has experienced civil war for 21 years.
2010 Soccer World Cup Education Summit statement Pretoria, South Africa
We, Heads of State and Government, and Eminent persons, gathered at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Education Summit on 11 July 2010 in Pretoria at the invitation of the Government of South Africa.
Keep the Vuvuzelas Ringing for Education
Irina Bokova was addressing African heads of state, donor representatives and 1Goal ambassadors at the 2010 World Cup Education Summit convened by President Zuma of South Africa a few hours before the final game on 11 July 2010.
Young pupil’s plea for children’s education
International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell joined African leaders on Sunday to hear a young girl’s plea to deliver education for 72 million children worldwide
Girls’ School benefits from FAWE Sierra Leone’s Successful Partnerships
The Waterloo Junior Secondary School for Girls is a very good example of a successful partnership.
Educating Haiti’s children, six months on
Today marks the six-month anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti, killing more than 220,000, displacing many more and severely affecting the education system.
Life skills-based education builds young Somalis' self-confidence
Muna Ali Hirsi, 24, is a vibrant and motivated life-skills mentor who works with young people aged 12 to 21 in north-west Somalia (Somaliland).
UNESCO connects Haitian and French children through books
On January 12, 2010, the earthquake that struck Haiti took the lives of 300, 000 people and destroyed most of the administrative and educational infrastructure of the country.
Success stories highlighted at UNESCO-UNICEF breakfast meeting on Women’s and Girls’ Education
“Expanding women and girls’ education means progress across all development goals”, UNESCO’s Director-General affirmed at the opening of the ministerial breakfast meeting organized as part of the 2010 high-level segment of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
WFP And 1Goal Team Up For Education
As the World Cup 2010 builds to a climax, the 1Goal campaign is using soccer fever to draw attention to the over 72 million children denied proper schooling. By providing daily meals to schools around the world, WFP is using nutrition to help meet the goal of universal education.
In Istanbul, UNICEF and UNESCO Institute for Statistics launch joint education project
ISTANBUL, Turkey, 30 June 2010 – While Turkey has made significant progress in reducing the number of out-of-school girls in recent decades, the number of girls in school continues to decline sharply by the fifth and sixth grades.
As FIFA World Cup 2010 kicks off, Zambian youth journalists speak out
MONGU, Zambia, 17 June 2010 – For Inonge Sitali, 14, a radio dialogue with peers about the FIFA World Cup 2010 – which kicked off 11June in South Africa – is more than a casual conversation. It is an opportunity to discuss important gender issues in her local community of Mongu, in western Zambia.
Delegates Announced for First-Ever G(irls)20 Summit
The G(irls)20 Summit Organizers are pleased to announce the delegates for the first-ever G(irls)20 Summit.
Fixing the future of Mali's child workers
In Mali, approximately two out of three children aged 5 to 17 work. This represents over 3 million children. Few of them go to school and 40 per cent of children aged 5 to 14 perform hazardous tasks. The situation of migrant girls is of particular concern. ILO Online reports.
Eliminating child labour in Bolivia: The role of education
Education is often cited as the key to eliminating child labour. But by itself, education isn’t enough. ILO Online reports from Bolivia showing how adding decent work for adults to education of children, together, with a quotient of political will, can make the equation work.
Podcast - Beyond Access: Quality Education for Life
The Millennium Development Goals call for universal access to education by 2015; however, simply getting children into school may not be enough to improve life opportunities for boys and girls and reduce the gender gap.
Safe havens protect children from abuse and exploitation in Benin
Sophie, 13, was promised into an arranged marriage by her older brother. When she refused, he physically abused her. “He beat me up and told me he was going to kill me,” Sophie said.
In Senegal, UNICEF Executive Director cites the urgency of education for all
Surrounded by the concrete bricks and flood-stained walls of her school, Anta, 11, attends classes and dreams of becoming a paediatrician. She knows she is lucky.
Girls’ education conference calls for accelerated action on reaching most excluded children
Even as the number of out of school children has dropped to a record low, the most vulnerable children who stand to benefit the most from education continue to be denied the opportunity to learn, global education leaders gathered here at the ‘Engendering Empowerment: Equality and Education (E4) conference said, calling for accelerated action to reverse this trend.
Girls’ education conference calls for accelerated action on reaching most excluded children
Even as the number of out of school children has dropped to a record low, the most vulnerable children who stand to benefit the most from education continue to be denied the opportunity to learn, global education leaders gathered here at the ‘Engendering Empowerment: Equality and Education (E4) conference said, calling for accelerated action to reverse this trend.
Leaders for Education Series - Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan
Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, UNGEI Honorary Global Chair and UNICEF Eminent Advocate for Children, shares her feelings and experiences in securing the rights for all girls and boys. In the final installment of the Leaders for Education Series, Queen Rania lends her inspirational voice calling upon leaders and policymakers to keep firm their commitments to educate the world’s children.
Poverty, conflict and girls' right to education
NEW YORK, USA, 20 May 2010 – More than half of the 72 million primary school-aged children out of school are girls. These children mostly come from the world’s poorest communities and, in many cases, from nations with long histories of conflict.
Her Majesty Queen Rania, UNGEI Honorary Global Chair of UNGEI
In July 2009, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, was also appointed Honorary Global Chair of UNGEI in recognition of her efforts to promote access, quality, and innovation in education both in Jordan and across the globe.
Sir Ben Kingsley, Actor
After earning an Academy Award, two Golden Globes and two BAFTA Awards for his riveting portrayal of Indian social leader Mahatma Gandhi, Sir Ben Kingsley continues to bring unequaled detail and nuance to each role.
Dr. Paul Farmer, UN Deputy Special Envoy for Haiti
Medical anthropologist and physician Paul Farmer has dedicated his life to improving health care for the world's poorest people. In August 2009, Dr. Farmer was appointed by the UN Secretary-General as the Deputy Special Envoy for Haiti. In this capacity, he will support President Clinton and the people of Haiti in the implementing the Government of Haiti’s long term goals and priorities.
Leaders for Education Series - Paul Farmer
Dr. Paul Farmer, UN Deputy Special Envoy for Haiti and co-founder of Partners in Health, speaks to us about his experiences working around the globe and witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of education. He maintains that investing in girls' education is vital to development, in terms of economic growth, promoting equity and as a basic human right.
Leaders for Education Series - Sir Ben Kingsley
Academy Award winning actor, Sir Ben Kingsley speaks with us on the impact education has in and out of school, the inspiration and knowledge he found in his own schooling and the need to teach and learn at all stages in life as a vital means to a peaceful world.
UNICEF Executive Director speaks out on girls' education and empowerment
NEW YORK, USA, 17 May 2010 – Speaking at an international conference on education and gender equality, UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake today called for accelerated efforts on behalf of “forgotten children” in the run-up to the 2015 deadline for meeting the Millennium Development Goals.
Breaking the silence on gender-based violence in schools
NEW YORK, USA, 17 May 2010 – For millions of children worldwide, physical and emotional abuse and gender-based violence are a harsh daily reality.
UNGEI global conference on girls’ education focuses on preventing “56 million wasted opportunities”
DAKAR, Senegal, 17 May 2010 – A conference designed to find new ways to ensure that some 56 million children – most of them girls – do not miss out on their right to education opens in Senegal today.
UNGEI returns to Dakar for milestone meeting on girls’ education
DAKAR, 16 May 2010 – As education, particularly for girls, is threatened to be pushed onto the back burner, a major conference will open here on Monday, to put girls’ education front and center.
Conference to tackle gender gap and give impetus to girls’ education
The education of women and girls is a top priority for UNESCO. The Organization will thus be a key partner at the forthcoming “E4 Engendering Empowerment: Education and Equality” conference.
Media advisory: Girls Education, Focus of United Nations Global Conference - Engendering Empowerment: Education and Equality (E4)
Press Conference on the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) global conference. “Engendering Empowerment: Education and Equality” (E4 for short).
Leaders for Education Series - Angélique Kidjo
Angélique Kidjo, the dynamic West African singer and songwriter, was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2002. Ms. Kidjo speaks to us about the impact education has had on her life and the importance of educating girls for a better and brighter future.
UNICEF-EC programme gives a second chance to a would-be child bride in India
Bablu, 14, lives with her family in a small village in rural Rajasthan. She was 13 when her community decided she should be married.
It takes a community to educate a girl, or a boy, in Benin
BEMBÉRÉKÉ, Benin, 20 April 2010 – Going to school can be a long, lonely walk for a young girl in Benin. That’s if her parents even let her pursue an education.
Girls' Education Movement promotes schooling for vulnerable children in Uganda
KYENJOJO DISTRICT, Uganda, 19 April 2010 – Peace Margaret Atwooki, 14, is back in school after a four-year absence.
Leaders for Education Series - Hilde F. Johnson
Hilde F. Johnson is a Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and a twice Minister of International Development. Here she tells us why education is the right of every child.
Hilde F. Johnson Biography
Hilde F. Johnson is a Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Ms.Johnson was the Minister of International Development of Norway between 2001 and 2005, and Minister of Human
Leaders for Education Series - John T. Chambers
John Chambers is Chairman and CEO of Cisco. He has helped grow the company from $70 million when he joined Cisco in January 1991, to $1.2 billion when he assumed the role of CEO, to its current run rate of $36 billion. In November 2006, Chambers was named Chairman of the Board, in addition to his CEO role.
Ana Ivanovic Biography
Ana Ivanovic was born on November 6, 1987 in her hometown of Belgrade, Serbia. Ivanovic is a Serbian female athlete, former World No.1-ranked tennis player, much sought-after photo model and global sports star. She won the 2008 French Open and was the runner-up in singles at the 2007 French Open and the 2008 Australian Open.
Leaders for Education Series - Ana Ivanovic
Ana Ivanovic is a Serbian female athlete, former World No.1-ranked tennis player, much sought-after photo model and global sports star. She speaks to us about the role of education in her life and her involvement with the ‘School without Violence’ programme.
The Engendering Empowerment: Education and Equality (E4) Conference
The Engendering Empowerment: Education and Equality (E4) conference, organized by the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative in collaboration with Beyond Access team, coordinated from the Institute of Education, University of London, is scheduled to take place between 17th and 20th May 2010, in Dakar, Senegal.
G(irls)20 Summit
The Belinda Stronach Foundation along with its partners are pleased to announce the launch of www.girlsandwomen.com and the G(irls)20 Summit!
Leaders for Education Series - Navanethem Pillay
Navanethem Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, wants to be the "the champion of human rights in every part of the world". A South African national, she was the first woman to start a law practice in her home province despite the barriers posed by the apartheid regime. Ms. Pillay talks to us about her experience, the right to education and gender equality.
Navanethem Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
The appointment of Navanethem Pillay as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was approved by the General Assembly on 28 July 2008. She took up the post on 1 September 2008.
Leaders for Education Series - Ela Bhatt
Ela Bhatt, the founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), is widely recognized as one of the world's most remarkable pioneers and entrepreneurial forces in grassroots development. Known as the "gentle revolutionary," and a follower of the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, she has dedicated her life to improving the lives of India's poorest and most oppressed citizens.
Ela Bhatt, the founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
Ela Bhatt, the founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), is widely recognized as one of the world's most remarkable pioneers and entrepreneurial forces in grassroots development.
UNICEF and partners transforming lives of children through improved schools in Niger
GARIN GUIZO, Niger , 10 March 2010 – As dawn breaks in this rural village in southern Niger, the daily routine begins the same way it has for generations. Eleven-year-old Zhara lights the fire, warms a pot of water and sweeps the family yard.
Leaders for Education Series - Zainab Salbi
Zainab Salbi is co-founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a grassroots international humanitarian and development organization helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives, families and communities. Here she talks to us about her life, work and girls' education and gender equality.
Founder and CEO, Women for Women International
Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group that is dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. A survivor of war herself, Ms Salbi started Women for Women International in response to the rape and concentration camps in Bosnia in 1993. Since then, the organization has served more than 250,000 women in 8 conflict and post-conflict areas from Congo and Rwanda to Afghanistan and her native country Iraq.
International Women's Day: Special podcast on education and gender equality
Moderator Amy Costello discusses the advances made and challenges ahead for girls’ education with Tamara Kreinin from the United Nations Foundation, and the Kenya’s Minister of Education, Honourable Ambassador Professor Samson Kagengo Ongeri.
Film screening - Rising Voices: Raising Yusriya
The United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) and UNICEF will host a screening of Rising Voices: Raising Yusriyaon the occasion of the 54th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) taking place 1-12 March 2010 at the United Nations in New York.
IIEP Newsletter January - April 2010: Revisiting global objectives for gender in education
The Dakar Framework for Action (2000) set out ambitious goals: to eliminate gender disparities in primary and secondary education by 2005, and to achieve gender equality in education by 2015.
More children in school in Afghanistan
During the Taliban’s reign, fewer than one million children went to school in Afghanistan. Now about six million children are registered in schools and about one third of them are girls. Sida’s efforts in educating boys and girls in Afghanistan have delivered results.
Forced marriage no substitute for education
TABOTA, Benin, 4 January 2010 –“Before, girls did not go far in their studies. Today, girls have a chance and they are coming back to school”, said Céline Nambi, speaking on behalf of the Mothers Association of Tabota, a remote village in northern Benin.
Transforming Education for a New Era
The World Premiere of “We are the People We’ve Been Waiting For” took place in Leicester Square in London on 17 November 2009. A Q&A chaired by the Oscar-winning producer Lord Putnam immediately followed the screening and included the participation of Dr. Cream Wright, who recently retired from the position of Global Chief of Education in UNICEF and now heads a new venture called REDI4Change.
