Girls and women constitute 70 per cent of the world’s poor. Women
and girls are disadvantaged throughout their lives.
About 100 million fewer women are alive today than could be expected
through the natural pattern of birth and survival in infancy.
Many girls are never born because of prenatal sex selection.
Others are either killed as infants or die of neglect.
Girls are often breast fed for shorter periods than boys, are taken
less often to health centers, and have lower immunization rates.
Over the past several decades, the education gap between girls and boys
has been reduced. However, much more needs to be done.
Among the world’s 130 million outposts children, girls still outnumber
boys two to one.
Women still account for two-thirds of the world's nearly one billion
illiterate adults.
A woman who has had a basic education:
is more likely than a non-educated one to marry at a later age.
has fewer, healthier and better-educated children.
takes more advantage of her community's social services.
is likely to be more productive at home and on the job and get better
pay for her work.
An extra $5-6 billion annually will achieve primary education for all.
Experience in scores of countries has shown that girls do best when:
Basic education is free or affordably low cost.
Where possible, stipends and scholarships are offered to compensate
families for the loss of the girl's household labor.
Girls have access to early childhood care, education and development
programs that enhance their self-esteem and preparedness for school.
Schools are close to home and the workplace and that girls can take
advantage of non-formal or alternative schools that offer flexible schedules,
where appropriate – provided these schools give them the opportunity
to enter the formal school system when they are ready.
If you want to help, send your checks to:
The Province of St. Mary:
African Women’s Education Fund
San Lorenzo Friary
15 Montebello Rd.
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
