Educational empowerment for women

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), education is the best way to reduce poverty. A report by UNFPA reveals that girls who are educated choose to marry later and better, and plan healthier families. The report further states that having an educated mother rather than an educated father is more beneficial for children as “women can have ripple effects within the family and across generations.”

Earning educated mothers, according to the report, are more involved in a child’s education. As they are more likely to have fewer children, they can pay more attention to each child while being aware of their studies and school performance. Another important result that comes out of having a smaller number of children (educated women being less likely to have unintended births,) is that parents can afford to educate all of their children as opposed to choosing only boys due to lack of funds.

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The UNFPA is currently trying to ensure that all children across most underdeveloped African countries get educational exposure. It also acknowledges the importance of reducing the gender gap in education. According to the organization’s site, “UNFPA supports a variety of educational programmes, from literacy projects to curricula development with a focus on reproductive and sexual health. Because of the sensitivity of these issues, the focus and names of the educational programmes have gone through a number of changes over the past decades.”

With the attention gender issues are currently receiving, there is a growing emphasis on student participation and communication skills. Having attributes like these would further help the marginalized; have a better chance at a brighter future.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: United Nations Population Fund

http://www.unfpa.org/gender/empowerment2.htm