March, 2011

Invest in the Girl Child – Transform the World

                           

 

Today, March 8 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, a global day marking women’s economic, political and social achievements. Events and communications today highlight the successes and challenges women and girls face in accessing education, employment, safe spaces, health care and a life that celebrates their humanity. Many girls in Kenya will never have the chance to complete a secondary school education. Some live in acute poverty and cannot afford a school uniform, let alone the school fees. Others are forced to stay home to do chores and care for younger siblings.

CES Canada celebrates the small steps taken in Kenya since 2004 that focus on gender equity and increased opportunity for girls.

 

                                         

 

CES Canada is committed to making a difference in the lives of young women who have been orphaned by the HIV/Aids pandemic. Of 120 students receiving full education scholarship in Kakamega, Western Kenya – 58 are girls.

 

                      

 

Today we recognize the contributions of women to society.  Where they prosper, their communities prosper.  Where women suffer, so do the communities in which they live.  By ensuring that girl child students have the life-changing opportunities of education and access to health care, as well as having their rights protected, we can help to create a better and more fair world.  To educate a girl is to strengthen an entire community.

 

What if this girl could attend school and leave with the skills and knowledge to earn her own income? What if in time she knew about HIV/Aids and could make informed decisions about her health?  What if baby brother tied to her back could have access to clean water? What if all three grew up free from extreme poverty?  What a difference that would make.

 

Your support makes all the difference!

 

Thanks to The Commonwealth Secretariat for graphics and theme concept