Educate Girls. Change the World

Last week, I was lucky enough to catch the new documentary film, Girl Rising, produced by the 10X10 Campaign.

The piece, directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robins, tells the story of 9 extraordinary girls from 9 developing countries- each facing and overcoming oppression through the strength of human spirit and the power of education. The film chronicled each story separately, using narrator Liam Neeson, among other celebrities, to transition with staggering supporting facts.

“It’s a simple fact,” Liam Neeson narrates in the film. “There is nobody more vulnerable than a girl.”

Did You Know:

• Globally, there are 66 million girls without access to education.
• In a single year, an estimated 150 million girls are victims of sexual violence
• A child born to a literate mother is 50% more likely to survive past age five.
• Girls have a one-in-four chance of being born into poverty.
• School is not free in over 50 countries.

The 9 brave girls featured in the film come from the mountaintops of La Rinconada, Peru to the landfills in Sokha, Cambodia. They range from 7 yr old Wadley, who was forced from her home and school after the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti, to teenagers like Suma from Nepal, who was sold into bonded labor starting at 6 years old and never taught to read. They have been sexually abused, sold into marriage, denied education and forced into impossible poverty.

Though their stories were different, each girl overcame adversity and made huge strides in changing their life circumstances. With unbreakable strength and determination, they gained freedom from enslavement, access to education and the power of independence.

“Do you doubt me?” Amina asks. “Do you underestimate my will? Look into my eyes. Do you see it now? I am change.”

Each girl’s message rang clear:  Dare to Dream.  Believe in Yourself.  Never Give Up.  Seek out the support of family and community. Lastly, don’t be afraid to express yourself-which they all did using various art forms including poetry, dancing and music.

Girl Rising is a reminder of how fragile life can be on this planet, especially for young females.  At FPgirl, we are committed to providing a safe place for girls to learn, become inspired and express themselves. After all, these bright, independent and empowered young girls are our future.

One girl with courage is a revolution. -Girl Rising

Lend Your Support

Donations can be made to the 10 x 10 Fund for Girls’ Education. All contributions will be distributed among non-profit partners including: CARE USA, World Vision, Partners in Heatlth, Plan International USA, United Nations Foundation/ Girl Up, Room to Read and a New Day Cambodia, all of whom operate girls’ education initiatives around the world.

You can donate here or by texting GIVE to 55155.

About the Author

Stacy Coleman is the Interactive Marketing Manager at FPgirl.com. She’s responsible for developing and directing an integrated strategy that builds community and engagement and builds brand awareness for FPgirl.com and its entities. Stacy holds a BS in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University.