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Unleashing the Power of Women's EmpowermentWelcome to the world of women's empowerment, where the feeling of empowerment is a right every girl should experience. In developing countries, this vital topic often goes unnoticed, leaving young girls without the awareness of their self-worth and freedom of choice. This powerful movement aims to raise women's status, provide access to opportunities, and drive social change for a more equitable society. Together, we can create a community of empowered women, where knowledge, experiences, and wisdom are freely shared, fostering inclusivity and compassion. Why is women's empowerment particularly important for young girls?Women empowerment is vital for young girls as it helps create strong, independent women who can pass this empowerment down to their future children. It creates a more solid society and eliminates space for inequality, which can lead to less discrimination in the workplace and a more successful female-dominated workforce. In developing countries like Gambia, girls need empowerment the most, as they first learn their values and importance in school. Without equal education, girls are excluded from gaining the knowledge they need to grow mentally and physically. To empower other females, women can be open, encourage, share, inspire, mentor, and be honest. Being open and supportive of one another is essential, as it allows for the exchange of helpful information and supports the growth of others. Being an inspiration and mentor can motivate women in similar positions to continue their journey and become sources of empowerment. However, women's empowerment is different in developing countries due to the lack of education, technology, and economic participation. Girls are often forced into marriage at a young age, which prevents them from continuing their education. Boys have more access to education, while girls are often seen as the property of their husbands, which lowers their literacy and numerical skills. The lack of access to technology, such as mobile phones, hinders women's ability to communicate, seek medical assistance, and deepen their knowledge. Additionally, women in developing countries often have less economic participation, which is crucial for strengthening their rights and power. Economic development would allow women to feel a sense of identity and strength, empowering them to do remarkable things and advance in their society. Empowering women in developing countries by Jennifer Lonergan How do we promote women's empowerment in developing countries?Women's empowerment in these countries can be improved by banning young marriage, increasing technology access for girls, and forming clubs or safe spaces for women facing similar issues. Banning young marriage at an early age allows girls to continue their education and learn about the world before starting families. This education helps girls believe in themselves and uncover endless opportunities. The increase in technology, particularly in fields like computing, would open new opportunities for girls and increase female role models. Support groups in small villages can also help educate girls on their rights and provide a sense of understanding and comfort. To empower hundreds of young girls, women can sponsor a Gambian girl through a program that helps her get the life she deserves, educates her, and supports her journey. By providing her with the necessary education, women can become role models and contribute to the growth of women's empowerment in these countries. By supporting and caring for one another, women can make a significant impact on their lives and help them find their inner strong woman. Empowering women benefits everyone by Jane Soak Empowering Girls through Role Models, Education, and SupportEmpowering girls involves being a positive role model, providing education and mentorship, supporting passions and dreams, educating children about gender equality, encouraging girls to speak out, using social media to spread knowledge, and supporting organizations that protect girls. By sharing experiences, accomplishments, and challenges, women can inspire girls to set their own goals and work towards achieving them. By promoting equal rights and respecting all humans, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for girls. Empowering girls and women is crucial for creating a more equitable and inclusive society. How Can Women Empower Girls?
Join the movement for women's empowerment today! By sponsoring a young Gambian girl, you can make a profound impact on her life and help her embrace her true potential “It is unfair for the world to continue to portray African women as victims. We need to get African women's voices out there; we need to get a representation of African women in places of power. “ -THEO SOWA AuthorsNikola Kot is a passionate advocate for women's rights. She believes that women deserve power and equality all around the world. Nikola is a strong believer in women's empowerment and therefore is driven by this throughout the blog. Olivia Bjorn is a full-time student at the University of Westminster in London pursuing a degree in Marketing Communication. She is passionate about women's empowerment and is excited to share her ideas and insights through her blog post. Read Our Featured Blogs and More!
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International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital MutilationFemale genital mutilation/cutting (FGM)Female genital mutilation/cutting is a gruelling and barbaric procedure affecting millions of girls across Africa. The surgery involves exposing vulnerable girls by partially or completely cutting their external genitalia. FGM is normally done by untrained individuals, such as female relatives or traditional healers within the community. The procedure is performed for various reasons, including promoting the idea of social acceptance as girls transition into adulthood. However, FGM leaves girls with a scar of trauma and psychological wounds that impact their quality of life. Since the procedure is still practiced in various countries across Africa, education and guidance are needed to stop the alarming rise of female genital mutilation. Psychological impact of FGMFGM has caused a wealth of agony and pain, affecting young girls' mental health. PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression are some of the many consequential and long-lasting factors that girls suffer from. According to research, a mental health practitioner has stated that one of her patients still remembers the trauma thirty years later, highlighting that FGM creates an everlasting cycle of flashbacks and horror. Also, the remembrance of how the procedure is performed can act as a catalyst as to why females experience many psychological disturbances. Many charities specialise in improving the mental health of the victims of female genital mutilation. Safe Hands for Girls, the United Nations, 28 Too Many, and Amnesty International provide resources and support to help girls, including creating community projects and workshops to address the issue and help manage their well-being. FGM - The debate between Culture and ReligionCulture and religion are two factors that are misconstrued in FGM. The Gambia, an African country with 96% identifying as Muslim, still practices the procedure as they believe it will increase beauty, social status, and purity, which may result in people believing that female genital mutilation ties in with the Islamic faith. However, this idea is void. Many charities, scholars, and those who practice Islam condemn the notion that religion should be used as a justification as to why many females commit this harrowing act. Muslim charity Islamic Relief highlights how Islam disapproves of this practice, as there is no mention of female circumcision within the Quran, and deliberately causing harm to yourself or others goes against Islamic teaching. From this, we can gather that female genital mutilation is a cultural practice instead of a religious one. Charities such as Islamic Relief are helping to challenge this myth by debunking religion as the cause of FGM by empowering girls to understand their rights and reduce gender inequalities. FGM - The Gambian women survivors' storiesThe Gambia is a country swarmmed with FGM cases, with 75% of females having undergone some form of FGM. Though female genital mutilation has devastated the lives of many girls in Gambia, some have been brave enough to share their story. Read and listen to the brave survivors stories; however, there are many untold stories, with victims living in pain and life-threatening scars. A case of how FGM caused infertilitySainey Ceesay, a Gambian citizen and survivor of female genital mutilation, bravely shares her account of the procedure. She was forcibly taken from her parents as she underwent the surgery. This has affected her many years later, including becoming infertile. Ceesay started The Safe Haven Foundation in 2017 to help women struggling with infertility and bring hope to the women of Gambia. Sainey shared her FGM ordeal with the Deb'bo Unfiltered Podcast. Click here to listen Jaha Dukureh - FGM Survivor and CampaingerJaha Dukureh, a Gambian women's rights activist, underwent the FGM procedure when she was an infant. Since then, she has successfully led to the ban of FGM in Gambia, which is captured in a documentary, “Jaha’s Promise.” This is her documentary video, shedding light on her campaign against an extreme form of FGM that was deeply rooted in Gambia. Fatou Baldeh, MBE - FGM Survivor and CampaignerFatou Baldeh, MBE, a Gambian native and survivor of FGM since the age of seven, is a strong-willed advocate for helping eradicate female genital mutilation. She shares her heartfelt account of the procedure, revealing how she endured psychological grievances, including recalling how the surgery was performed. Her trauma has inspired her to create an extraordinary foundation. In 2018, Women in Liberation & Leadership (WILL) was formed to help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for girls in Gambia. This programme has helped females recognise the dangers of FGM and violence. Her efforts have resulted in her being awarded an MBE and gaining recognition for her successful FGM campaigns. Join the FGM campaign - Spread awareness and educate yourselfFGM has affected many girls globally, but are we doing enough to challenge and stop this procedure? Unicef, a charitable organisation helps tackle female genital mutilation by creating informative blogs and articles to highlight how FGM has violated human rights for young females and caused their lives to be in turmoil. Community projects in countries such as Gambia, Somalia, and Kenya have also tackled the spread of FGM by informing members of the local community of the cruelty and biological harm the procedure can cause and eliminating any myths and false narratives. A prominent community project set up in Gambia to increase awareness of FGM includes GAMCOTRAP is an empowering initiative designed to advocate for and end female genital mutilation. They regularly provide training sessions, workshops, and talks to help promote the severity of female genital mutilation and the detrimental consequences it can cause. Other community projects that provide similar help and resources include providing medical training, including counselling to help support victims, and youth empowerment workshops to help young people challenge these harmful practices. So educate yourself, spread awareness, or donate to charities. Together, we can help eradicate and end the violent practice of female genital mutilation. Author: Ruwayda MohamedRuwayda is a student at the University of Westminster, London. She is passionate about girls' and women's rights. Follow our social media handles for updates.Eliminating Violence Against Women and GirlsThis blog is about how we can stop violence against women and make the world a better place for young girls to get the right education for them to prosper, so women can have the life they deserve.
Breaking the Cycle of Child Marriage and Cultural Practices in GambiaIn Gambia, a concerning reality persists: 30% of girls are forced into early marriages before they reach the age of 18. These cultural practices not only deny young girls their right to education but also perpetuate harmful traditions like genital mutilation, which affects girls as young as 2 years old. Such practices and societal barriers hinder their health and personal growth, limiting their opportunities for a better future. Education emerges as the key to breaking this cycle and empowering girls in Gambia. By providing young girls with an education, we can give them a voice and the necessary tools to shape their own lives. However, numerous challenges stand in the way, including poverty and deeply ingrained cultural norms. Approximately 38% of the female population in Gambia struggles to access education due to these barriers. This is where donations play a crucial role. Donations offer hope and support to girls who lack access to educational resources and facilities. They serve as a catalyst for change, enabling organizations to address cultural norms and poverty, the primary obstacles faced by girls in their pursuit of education and empowerment. By sponsoring girls' education, we can prevent early marriage, gender inequality, and child labour, while also opening doors to economic growth, improved health, and positive social change.
The purpose of donations for girls' educationDonations are the beginning of many opportunities given to girls with a lack of education. They allow for support and provide motivation to many of the girls who don’t have access to these facilities and resources. Countries, including The Gambia, have girls and women who face barriers to education and, therefore, empowerment. These barriers include cultural norms and, mainly, poverty. Statistically, 38% of the female population in The Gambia is facing difficulties accessing education. As poverty is the main obstacle to education for girls, donations allow sponsors to support girls by funding their education. The female poverty rate is high across the world, but especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a rate of 41.2%. This data shows that the female population is suffering greatly from poverty and a lack of funds that could help them live a better life. The obstacle of poverty for women decreases their chances of improving and furthering their education to aim for a brighter future. A lack of education impacts girls and women and decreases their opportunities for a better future and an equal chance at fulfilling their own dreams and ambitions. In addition to the high rates of poverty, girls also face cultural barriers, which can impact their freedom to fulfil their aspirations. By donating, sponsors can help girls receive education to prevent young marriage, gender inequality, and child labour. Education allows girls to earn high incomes and take part in the decisions and choices that impact them the most, therefore bettering the lives of girls and women within communities that have many societal barriers. Through donations, sponsors and organisations can slow down and gradually decrease the percentage of girls and women who lack education around the world. Education has many benefits for women to become empowered and it can be just the beginning of a successful journey. Sponsoring girls like those in The Gambia will allow many others around the world to start their journey and gain awareness of how the lack of education and increased poverty can negatively impact girls and women within a limited and restricted society. There is a lot of progress to be made in the journey to empower women and girls to give them the same opportunities and resources that can be provided around the world. Donations allow organisations to provide the support needed for girls and fulfil the aim of women's empowerment. Donations can be in the form of gifts or, more commonly, in funds that can be given through different systems and platforms. The funds can vary from a small amount to a large amount, depending on the desire to help and support girls’ empowerment and their journey to a better education. Through these funds, organisations are able to improve the lives of girls by providing them with the resources and financing needed to further their education. Overall, donations allow for an increase in the well-being of not only a small number of girls but the community as a whole. How donations can help to support girls' education?Donations are able to fundamentally change the lives of many girls in The Gambia by educating and empowering them and, therefore, creating a better future. Here are some of the benefits girls and women have experienced as a result of donations:
Impact of Donations on girls' empowermentIn the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate emergency, and rising economic and political instability, progress for gender equality has been negatively impacted. This impact has caused progress to reverse and affect girls and women around the world. This backlash has had a growing threat to women’s rights, including well-established freedoms and protection schemes. Poverty is the main concern for many girls and women, which can restrict their opportunities. Alongside cultural barriers, women have faced obstacles, including economic struggles. This has caused many women to be dependent on others, including partners, family members, and sometimes even friends. Dependency on others for financial reasons can impact the stability and control someone has over their own life. Due to the cultural barriers women face, financial stability is vital to empowering and increasing confidence for women and girls. The three features that make up an economically empowered person include:
These points can impact the way women and girls are empowered. These features can also be achieved mainly through the power of education. Women and young girls can learn how to become independent and confident in themselves, which can lead to high self-esteem. The empowerment of women and girls is significant because it is essential to the health and development of families, societies, and countries as a whole. Through donations, women and girls can receive this education, build on the communities, and improve cultural barriers that continue to hold them back from achieving their full potential. Empowering women and girls: The key to alleviating poverty Source: Bill Gates Impact of Girls' Education: Breaking Barriers and Building FuturesThe impact of girls' education benefits us in ways deeper than ever! Not only does it enhance your career, but it also pushes you to become more aware of your rights and direct a brighter future for yourself. Education and its impact can positively change the trajectory of your life, and we emphasize girl-child education to help place girls on the path to success. However, in The Gambia, female education is not supported easily. Girls are subjected to early child marriages, child labour, child trafficking, and many similar adversities that hinder their growth and possibilities. We believe in creating an impact and bringing about a change through education. This initiative can only be successful with your help! Making An Impact With Education Since 2019How to give donations?Girls and women may have the advantage of access to education but unfortunately as poverty is the main barrier to receiving education, some girls may not have the funds to afford basic educational supplies that are required in the classroom. Through donating, sponsors and donors can provide the necessary resources, tools, and amenities that are needed to help their education. By supporting the SaGG Foundation’s girl education projects, donors can make a great impact. By donating £2, $2, €2, or D100 in monthly direct debit, it will be able to continue the agenda to aim for increasing numbers of educated women and girls. This is available through the ‘Donations’ page on the official website. Join us in our mission to break the cycle of child marriage and cultural practices in Gambia. Your donations can make a significant impact by providing girls with the resources, financing, and opportunities they need to receive a quality education. Together, let us empower girls and women, giving them the chance to fulfill their dreams and aspirations while creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Read Our Featured Blogs and More!
The Impact of Gender Bias, Stereotyping and Discrimination on Women and GirlsWomen are physically and intellectually inferior to men; a belief that was commonplace only decades ago. Science has since sought to debunk these beliefs, however, much of the damage has already been done, to society and the brains of many. This is gender bias in its purest form. 184 out of 194 countries in the world have guaranteed equality between women and men in their constitutions as of 2016, however, discrimination of women still persists in ways through: laws and policies, social norms and practices, and gender-based stereotypes. What is Gender Bias, Stereotyping and Discrimination?Gender bias is the act of showing favouritism or biased behaviour towards a group or person based solely on their gender. An example of this in the home could be that daughters may be expected to help with domestic jobs such as cooking and cleaning whereas, sons are more likely to be asked to help with maintenance jobs like mowing the lawn. These gender-based tasks teach children from early on that they have different roles expected from them based on gender, this goes hand in hand with gender roles and stereotypes. Gender stereotyping is a generalised view or preconception about attributes, or characteristics that are, or ought to be, possessed by women and men or the roles that should be performed by men and women. Stereotypes can be positive or negative but this doesn't make their impact less harmful. For example, women are weak or women are nurturing', even though women are nurturing can be seen as a compliment or a 'positive stereotype' it can actually be a harmful belief that women are naturally more nurturing than men when it comes to the persecution of crimes against children, which is often harsher towards women, especially in the court of public opinion. Even though this is not entirely bad, it is still unfair. This can especially be seen in the case of The Moors Murders. Lastly, gender discrimination is when someone is treated unequally or disadvantageously due to their gender. This is arguably the most overt of the three, often evidenced by statistics. Where does gender discrimination take place?It is not always easy to pinpoint gender discrimination as it can happen on multiple levels, from one-on-one interactions to federal and institutional degrees. Some examples include:
It is also important to note that there are many elements of gender discrimination that may be more severe for certain individuals based on added factors outside their sex, such as race, economic status, sexuality, or disability. The hidden consequences of gender bias, stereotyping and discriminationGender discrimination persists in our culture, with women and girls continuing to experience prejudice and impediments to equality in a variety of settings. While overt forms of discrimination, such as denial of education, employment prospects, and political representation, have been identified and addressed by feminist movements worldwide, there are hidden repercussions of gender bias that frequently go unreported. Teach girls bravery, not perfection | Reshma Saujani on YouTube One of the biggest effects of gender discrimination is the erosion of women's confidence and self-esteem. When women are subjected to constant messages letting them know they are incapable or undeserving in comparison to men, women then begin to internalise these beliefs and doubt their abilities. This can manifest in various ways such as impostor syndrome, anxiety, and lack of assertiveness. As Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code, said in her TED Talk on 'Teaching girls how to be brave, not perfect', "We're raising our girls to be perfect, and we are raising our boys to be brave... we're not teaching our girls to be brave". Another impact of gender discrimination is the perpetuation of gender stereotypes, which limit women's choices and opportunities. From an early age girls are forced to follow narrow definitions of femininity, which dictate that they should be nurturing, emotional, and passive. This can discourage young girls from pursuing careers in male-dominated fields or participating in activities that are deemed masculine. As Chimamanda Ngozi-Adiche, Nigerian author and feminist, preached in her TED talk on 'The danger of a single story': "The single story creates stereotypes and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story." Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED on YouTube Career paths and gender pay gapMany established organisational structures are built on the foundation designed to fit men’s lifestyles from the times when they were the only household provider and women only made up a very small percent of the workforce. For example, many career-boosting international opportunities often assume the addition of a “trailing spouse” who has no career and can easily move - a family situation most common for men rather than women. Studies show that many institutions often undervalue or fail to recognise entirely the behind-the-scenes work that women often do, such as building a team or avoiding a crisis, while simultaneously awarding the achievements and success of men’s “heroic” acts. Therefore, while these patterns were not built to specifically discriminate towards women, their combined effect often puts female workers at a disadvantage and creates a vicious cycle of biases that men are better fit to be leaders. On average, women earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. In the UK, among full-time employees, the gender pay gap in April 2019 was 9%, in 2021 7.7%, and 8.3% in 2022. Higher earners experience a much larger difference in hourly pay between the genders. How to prevent gender bias, stereotyping and discrimination?Preventing stereotypes towards women and girls can be challenging, but there are still several ways to avoid this as soon as possible, which will be also beneficial for females considerably, since according to Harvard Business School, there is official proof that gender stereotypes harshly destroy a women's self-confidence and what kind of severe consequences that females can face due to offensive gender stereotypes. Consequently, there are numerous solutions to how it can be stopped, for instance how people can minimise gender stereotypes in the workplace. Companies can do 3 actions towards it based on Vantage Circle, such as:
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Follow our social media accounts for more updatesWhat are charities and how do they work?A charity’s aims have to fall into categories that the law says are charitable. These are things like preventing or relieving poverty or advancing the arts, culture, education, or science. It has to be established exclusively for what is known as public benefit. That means its only purpose must be charitable. Charities can’t make profits. All the money they raise has to go towards achieving their aims. A charity can’t have owners or shareholders who benefit from it. Charities have to state what their charitable objectives are in order to be registered with the Charity Commission and then explain how they are meeting them in their annual reports, which are publicly available. What are girls' education charities?Girls' education charities in developing countries typically aim to increase the time that children spend in education institutions and the quality of teaching that the children receive by building schools, tutoring outside the classroom, improving literacy, incentivising attendance, and providing supplies and technology. They are also organisations that focus on improving access to education for girls and young women, particularly in regions and communities where girls face significant barriers to education. These charities aim to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, cultural biases, and lack of access to resources that can prevent girls from receiving an education. Some examples of girls' education charities include: Malala Fund: The Malala Fund works to ensure that girls around the world have access to 12 years of safe, quality education. Room to Read: A non-profit organisation that focuses on improving literacy and gender equality in education in developing countries. Camfed: The Campaign for Female Education is an international non-profit organisation that works to eradicate poverty in Africa through the education of girls and the empowerment of young women. Girls Who Code: A US-based organisation that aims to close the gender gap in technology by providing girls with access to computer science education and coding skills. Educate Girls: A non-profit organisation that works to improve access to education for girls in rural and remote areas of India. Education is a critical tool for social and economic empowerment, yet millions of girls around the world are denied access to education due to poverty, discrimination, and cultural biases. Girls who are denied an education are more likely to live in poverty, experience poor health outcomes, and be at risk of child marriage, trafficking, and exploitation. Girls' education charities work to promote gender equality and provide girls with the resources and support they need to access education and achieve their full potential. By providing scholarships, educational resources, mentorship, and advocacy, these organisations help to break down barriers and create opportunities for girls to succeed in school and beyond. In addition to the benefits for individual girls and their families, investing in girls' education has significant social and economic benefits, including reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and promoting gender equality and social progress. Educate Women and Save the World | Dorsa Esmaeili Source: Tedx How do charities impact girl child education?Charities have a significant impact on girl child education in many ways. Girls' education charities provide a range of services and support, including: Increasing access to educationCharities work to increase access to education for girls by providing scholarships and financial assistance to cover school fees, books, and other educational resources. This helps to reduce the financial burden on families and increases the likelihood that girls will attend and complete school. Providing educational resourcesCharities provide educational resources such as books, school supplies, and uniforms to girls who may not have access to them. This helps to ensure that girls have the tools they need to succeed in school. Teacher training and supportCharities provide teacher training and support to help teachers create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for girls. This helps to ensure that girls receive quality education and are able to reach their full potential. Mentorship and leadership development: Charities provide mentorship and leadership development programs to help girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, and pursue their goals. This helps to empower girls and prepare them for success in school and beyond. Advocacy and awareness-raisingCharities raise awareness about the importance of girls' education and advocate for policies and programs that support girls' access to education.This helps to create a more supportive environment for girls' education and increases the likelihood that girls will attend and complete school. Girls' education charities play a critical role in promoting girl child education by addressing the social, economic, and cultural barriers that prevent girls from accessing education and by providing resources and support to help girls succeed in school and beyond. Everyone has a role to play in girls' educationThe role of government in girl's educationThe government efforts to safeguard children who are at risk and guarantee that they obtain a high standard of education, training, and care to enable them to thrive. The Education Funding Agency (EFA) is responsible for the management of £54 billion in funds allocated towards the provision of state-funded education for a total of 8 million children aged between 3 and 16, as well as 1.6 million adolescents aged between 16 and 19, in the United Kingdom. The role of governments in promoting education in underdeveloped nations has been suboptimal. It is imperative for governments to revise their policies in order to promote the attendance of girls in educational institutions. This can be achieved by ensuring that all children have equitable access to education or by offering financial assistance to families whose daughters pursue education. It is vital for educators to guarantee that female students are provided with a high-quality education, which can be achieved through receiving training and support provided by the government. In order to provide a safe educational setting for female students, it is crucial for governmental bodies to allocate resources towards the establishment and upkeep of scholastic infrastructure, including but not limited to lecture halls, reading rooms, and lavatories The role of organisations in girls' educationIt is necessary for organisations to persist in their efforts to facilitate girls' access to education, as there remains a significant amount of progress yet to be achieved. These crucial organisations have made it possible for young girls who were previously unable to access education or envision a promising future to now have hope for assistance. The organisations that are most widely recognised for their efforts in promoting girls' education include Educate Girls, Malala Fund, Camfed, she's the first, Care international, and the United Nations. Girls' Education Initiative for these organisations must persist in their pursuit of novel avenues for collaboration, such as partnering with technology enterprises that can furnish young females with smartphones or tablets to facilitate their academic pursuits. Individuals have the option to either promote modifications in policies at the regional, national, or global level or enhance the recognition of the issue. Organisations have the potential to motivate their employees to engage in volunteer work or fundraising activities that support initiatives aimed at promoting the education of girls. The role of families in girls' educationFamilies hold considerable importance in various aspects. If parents prioritise education, they can encourage their daughters to attend school regularly and take an active interest in their academic progress. Financial assistance is available to cover expenses related to educational fees, uniforms, and textbooks. The process of deconstructing gender stereotypes. Parents can motivate their female to pursue disciplines that have been historically male- dominated, such as science or engineering, and furnish them with the necessary support and resources. Creating a safe and supportive atmosphere. This might involve guaranteeing that their female are provided with hygienic water and sanitation facilities within their household, in addition to safeguarding them against physical or psychological maltreatment. Support groups. Individuals have the ability to share their personal experiences and advocate for the prioritisation of their daughters' education among their community members. Efforts can also be made to modify policies or cultural practises that have detrimental effects on the well-being of girls. The role of individuals in girls' educationThe success of non-profit organisations that aim to facilitate girls' education is heavily reliant on the contribution of individuals. This consists of both singular and recurring donations, as well as initiatives aimed at generating funds for a particular purpose or organisation. Engaging in volunteer work is a crucial undertaking, whereby one can contribute to society by serving as a mentor or tutor for young women, providing technical assistance or strategic counsel, or assisting with fundraising or event coordination. Disseminating information through social media, producing blog posts or articles, and organising events are all crucial means of promoting girls' education and raising awareness about the matter. Individuals have the opportunity to contribute a minimum of 10 pounds on a monthly basis to these charitable organisations and monitor the impact of their support. It is imperative that we take action and collaborate to promote communal well-being and equal opportunities for all. Role of SaGG Foundation in educating girls'The impact of girls' education benefits us in ways deeper than ever! Not only does it enhance your career but also pushes you to become more aware of your rights and direct a brighter future for yourself. Education and its impact can positively change the trajectory of your life and we emphasise on girl child education to help place girls on the path to success. However, in The Gambia, female education is not supported easily. Girls are subjected to early child marriages, child labour, child trafficking, and many similar adversities that hinder their growth and possibilities. We believe in creating an impact and bringing about a change through education. This initiative is only successful with your help! We believe in creating an impact and bringing about a change through education. This initiative is successful with your help! Different ways you can support a charityThere are many ways to support charities, and doing so can bring significant benefits both to the individuals and the organisations involved. Some of the different ways to support charity: Donate money : The most common way to support charity is to make a financial contribution. This can be done through one-time donations or by setting up regular donations. Donating money can provide critical financial support to organisations, allowing them to carry out their mission and reach more people in need. Donate here Volunteer your time : Volunteering is a great way to support charities. It can involve a wide range of activities, such as assisting with a fundraising event or working at a charity shop. Volunteering can help charities operate more efficiently and reach more people in need. Raise awareness: Another way to support charities is by raising awareness of their work. This can involve sharing their messages on social media, talking to friends and family about their mission, or participating in awareness-raising events. By raising awareness, you can help charities reach a wider audience and encourage more people to get involved. Become a volunteer here Raise awareness: Another way to support charities is by raising awareness of their work. This can involve sharing their messages on social media, talking to friends and family about their mission, or participating in awareness-raising events. By raising awareness, you can help charities reach a wider audience and encourage more people to get involved. Charity fundraising: Gather exclusive fundraising ideas and help enable educational access to girls in The Gambia. Organise events to raise funds online on our platform or conduct physical events to socialise for fundraising purposes. You can get in touch with us and we will guide you through the process. See ideas to raise funds Charity gifts: Donate to cover school fees, provide uniforms and books, and support essential needs. Join our events or organise fundraisers with friends to amplify the impact. Your contribution goes beyond the classroom, empowering girls with training and resources for economic independence. Together, let's support girls' education and empower future leaders in their communities. Donate a gift here Read Our Featured Blogs and More!
Girls' Menstruation Education Empowerment: Society's Role in Supporting Girls' in Education
Menstruation is painful and can cause embarrassment and inconvenience if not handled appropriately. In education, young girls need more prudence and support through their menstruation. For this to be achieved everyone has to give a hand.
Menstruation commences at the age of 10 – 16 years. It begins with ovulation which causes a thick lining to develop around the uterine wall. If the ovum doesn’t get fertilised, the lining disintegrates 12 – 14 days from ovulation. It comes out as blood called menstruate through the vaginal opening. It occurs once every 4 weeks and lasts 3 - 7 days. Lack of access to safe and hygienic menstrual products can have significant impacts, especially on girls' education. According to research, 49% of girls have skipped a whole day of school due to their periods, and out of those, 59% have resorted to fabricating excuses to avoid attending school. This results in approximately 137,700 children in the UK missing school annually due to period poverty. Menstruation Education: How Can Everyone Help Girls?
They’re several ways people living around school going girls can help them feel comfortable as they go through menstruation. Menstruation during puberty or for the first time comes randomly. This may lead to unpredicted inconvenience if a girl’s clothes get blood attained. Girls are advised to immediately approach any adult around for help. The public too should receive with open hands, all girls in need of help on menstruation.
Menstruation brings abdominal pain caused by contraction of the uterus as it shades off the developed walls. Parents and guardians are therefore advised to teach their daughters different ways of reducing the pain. These include; lying down and relaxing while breathing slowly and deeply, slowly rolling a hot water bottle over the belly, using fingers for stroking the belly back, taking pain killers among others. Addressing the challenges during girls' menstrual cycle:
To address these challenges, schools and communities can provide menstrual cycle health education. Schools are also encouraged to acquire extra uniforms for girls undergoing menstruation. These will be meant for girls with heavy periods which might stain their uniform. In addition, the public should encourage young menstruating girls to take fluids like juice and water to replenish the lost fluids.
Community leaders should also organize a donation based funding project to provide free reusable pads to school going girls since some parents aren’t able to afford pads for their daughters. This is caused by a hand to mouth type of economy which is very common in Africa.
Credit to TED
Menstruation Education Empowerment:The Detrimental Impact of Menstruation Stigma on Girls' Education
Menstruation is looked at as a source of humor and an abnormality by mostly men and boys in society. This leads to depression among menstruating school going girls further leading to poor performance in class. Volunteers should rise and advise people in public gatherings on the impact caused by negative reaction to menstruation. Health education on menstruation can also help dispel common myths and stigmas surrounding menstruation.
Concerned people should stop myths from being spread by malicious members of the public that menstruation is a sign that a girl is ready for sex. This willing guard against early pregnancy which would lead to school dropout.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is a worldwide initiative that unites non-profit organizations, government agencies, individuals, businesses, and the media to advocate for improved menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). MHH is celebrated on May 28th every year. Its primary objectives are to challenge taboos, raise awareness, and transform negative societal attitudes surrounding MHH. Additionally, MH Day actively involves policymakers to enhance the political importance of MHH and drive tangible actions at global, national, and local levels.
Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Solutions for School Girls: Education and Support
In order to tackle the challenges faced by girls who cannot afford menstrual hygiene products, we propose the implementation of homemade reusable pads and accessible public distribution, complemented by nutritional support and psychological counseling.
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What is your opinion on implementing comprehensive menstrual health education in schools?
Options: A) It is necessary to empower young people with knowledge about menstruation. B) Parents should be solely responsible for educating their children about menstruation. C) It is unnecessary and may make students uncomfortable. D) I'm not sure/I have no opinion. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! Read Our Featured Blogs and More!
Follow our socials for more updatesCategoriesAll DigitALL: Gender Equality in Technology and InnovationWith technological development and innovation increasing at an unprecedented rate, new opportunities, and challenges are being presented to the world. However, not everyone automatically benefits from these changes and some people face the brunt of the challenges. Women and girls continue to struggle to catch up to the changes and associated benefits. When innovation and technology are mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is digital technology. Digital technology involves electronic resources, tools, systems, and devices which make the storage, generation, or processing of data possible. These encompass the internet and mobile technologies, digital networks, services, applications, and content; virtual and augmented reality; connected devices and environments; old and new systems of media, information, and communication; artificial intelligence including machine learning such as data analytics, robotics, and automated systems and lastly, biometrics and biotechnology. Benefits of Digital Technology and Innovation for WomenDigital literacy and access to innovation and technology are essential skills for employability. They also provide new economic opportunities as up to 90% of jobs now have a digital component. This means that digitally literate women can have better access to life-changing information and entrepreneurship opportunities. Access to innovation and technology means women and girls can have the opportunity to overcome challenges they may have in the physical world. This is because digital access increases their civic engagement, raises awareness of their rights, and helps expand their sense of self in the world. Another key benefit to digital adoption and use is that women and girls will have fewer barriers to workforce participation as they will be able to compete for job opportunities with their male counterparts. Gender disparities in Technology and InnovationDespite the benefits of the adoption of digital technology and innovation, clear geographic, economic, and social gaps persist when access is considered such as those related to gender. The digital world is a stark replication of gender inequality in the physical world. It is believed that more than 50% of the women in the world are offline (International Telecommunications Union), particularly in developing countries which have an internet penetration rate of 41% for women compared to 53% for men. Up to 393 million adult women in developing countries do not own mobile phones and are 8% less likely to own a mobile phone than men. This is around 23% for Sub-Saharan Africa. Women in sub-Saharan Africa are 23% less likely to own a mobile phone. For girls, those between the ages of 15 and 19 are less likely to have used the internet in the last 12 months, along with lower mobile phone ownership. Comparatively, 46% of boys use the internet on their phones as opposed to 27% of girls. According to the World Bank:
Policy and government-level changes to bridge the gender technology gap1. Understanding the phenomeonTo bridge the gender divide gap, there is a need to understand the reasons why these gender gaps persist. One major barrier is lesser access of women and girls – access to data, devices, and networks than boys. Low infrastructure levels, network quality, and coverage also affect women and girls more. Furthermore, women most of the time earn between 30 to 50% less than men, are less financially independent, and have less disposable income to spend on mobile or internet services. Some of these women even have their access to mobile phones and the internet restricted or monitored by men. Particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls who live in rural areas experience serious gaps in infrastructure and network coverage. 2. Social norms and gender inequalityAnother reason is social norms and gender inequality. Several communities perceive the internet as a risk to traditional social order and view it as a risk for women and girls. Research has however shown that when social barriers are removed, more women and girls can become frequent and active users of the internet. 3. Inequality in educationThe third reason is inequality in education. When access to digital technology is not regular, women and girls can’t develop digital literacy by becoming familiar with digital platforms, devices, and services. 4. Lack of gender sensitive technologyLastly, the lack of digital products and services designed for women and girls also hampers their digital literacy. This makes them more vulnerable to online risks such as abuse, data privacy issues, and cyberbullying than men and boys. Solutions for gender equity in access to technologyAccess to digital literacy There should be digital literacy training for fathers, mothers, and other family members so that the value of digital adoption for girls is better understood. It will give them the chance to support girls to be online safely and remove the notion that the internet is a dangerous and unsafe place. Creation of government policies National governments and policymakers will also have to ensure that gender laws are used when any legal frameworks for online safeguarding, security, and data privacy are considered. Protection has to be ensured for both genders. Collaboration between gender organisations and government Women and girls’ organisations also need to work hand in hand with the governments and policymakers to come up with these frameworks so that the voices of girls are heard. They need to be included in decisions that concern them. Creation and design of a technology-integrated education system Education policies should focus on digital skills for girls as well as boys. Training for these skills should be added to the formal school curricula from the primary school level to ensure that these skills are built over time and at an early age. Collaboration with internet and mobile companies Collaboration with the private sector such as mobile operators and network providers can also help to support the development of digital literacy for girls especially those that live in very remote places or are out of school. Read Our Featured Blogs and More!
Follow our socials for more updatesBlog Categories All Women Empowerment by Men -Beliefs and PracticesWhat is the perception of men (husbands) to women empowerment?As with any issue, perceptions of men and husbands towards women empowerment can vary greatly depending on the individual and their personal beliefs. Some men and husbands may have a positive view of women empowerment and may actively support efforts to promote gender equality. They may believe that women should have equal opportunities and rights as men and may work to create a more inclusive and equitable society. On the other hand, some men and husbands may not fully understand or support the concept of women empowerment. They may hold traditional beliefs about gender roles and may not see the need for women to have equal rights and opportunities. These individuals may not be willing to challenge the status quo and may not support efforts to promote gender equality. Ultimately, it is important for all men and husbands to recognize the value and importance of women empowerment. By supporting efforts to promote gender equality, men and husbands can help create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. This can benefit not only women, but also men, families, and communities. Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash Why do husbands treat their daughters differently from their wives?The reasons why husbands might treat their daughters differently from their wives can vary greatly and can depend on a variety of factors. Some possible reasons for this behavior include societal norms and expectations about gender roles, personal experiences and beliefs, and individual differences between the husband, wife, and daughters.
Overall, the reasons why husbands might treat their daughters differently from their wives can be complex and varied. It is important for husbands to communicate openly with their wives and daughters and to strive to treat everyone in their family with respect and kindness. By doing so, they can help create a more positive and healthy family dynamic. Photo by Trust "Tru" Katsande on Unsplash Factors that influences husbands’ beliefs to treat daughters differently from their wives?
Ways to treat women in the home to model female empowerment for girlsChanging husbands' beliefs and behaviors to support their wives and model female independence and empowerment to their daughters can be a complex and challenging process. However, there are some steps that men and society can take to help facilitate this change:
In summary, changing husbands' beliefs and behaviors to support their wives and model female independence and empowerment to their daughters will require a collective effort from men, women, and society as a whole. By working together and supporting one another, we can create a more equal and just world for all. Read Our Featured Blogs and More!
Follow our socials for more updatesCharity Volunteering Work in Africa and The GambiaGirls in The Gambia face adverse challenges of child marriage, child labour, trafficking, FGM, and exploitation and are often deprived of their basic needs. With lives revolving around decisions made by others, the only option left for them is to abide by these decisions without a say in their own life stories. This makes it impossible to create their own identity, to think as an individual, and to create a life of their own. Charity Volunteering with girls' education charitiesEvery grave circumstance that hesitates to intrinsically progress requires an external push to feel empowered. How can you be this source of encouragement? When you choose to volunteer for girls in The Gambia, you not only feel a sense of accomplishment but have also managed to turn around life for the better! With the help of your mentorship, girls in The Gambia could benefit from it on a personal note as well as in their careers. Anyone can make a decision to volunteer. It is one of the most rewarding and satisfying attributes of life. You get to meet new people, absorb quality skills, and gain valuable experience along the way. The outcome of your support creates a huge impact on your community and societal goals. Volunteering Supports Girl Child Education & Empowerment?Volunteering can be greatly gratifying. Once you’re sure of how and where you want to spend your time, it becomes easier to give it your all. Volunteering can advance your career to a great extent. It teaches you several valuable skills and also enriches your morals and values. One of the essential areas to contribute your time could include girl child education and empowerment.
Charity Volunteering and mentoring can put a child in the position to gradually “choose”, to be conscious of her rights, and have the strength to speak up and fight for herself. Here’s how you can make a difference!SaGG Foundation is one such medium to empower young girls with a voice of their own through education. Being a female-educated individual is quite a rare sight in The Gambia and despite the adverse problems faced, we strive to bridge this gap and sponsor girl child education. How can you make a difference? There are numerous ways of joining the SaGG Foundation. Opportunities here are unlimited and flexible. All you need to do is get in touch with us. Use this opportunity to volunteer and help young girls receive their basic right to education. You can help out by:
We want our society to prosper by shaping young Gambian girls into courageous, bold and independent leaders. To achieve this, we actively participate in providing them with education, mentoring services, programmes, workshops and seminars. It is imperative for our girls to become wholesome individuals using their utmost potential both, inside and outside the classroom. Revolutionizing the generational and traditional norms, we want to give every girl her own story! Are you willing to help us bridge the gap? Come, let’s empower our girls together! How to decide for charity volunteeringYou might have multiple volunteering roles to choose from. When you do volunteer work at a non-profit organization, it is essential to:
At the SaGG Foundation, your charity and volunteering deeds can help educate young girls in The Gambia to fulfill their dreams and ambitions. Every generous contribution counts! Do you wish to know the ways in which you can support us? Check out ways in which you can support: 1. Girl Child SponsorshipYou could help with generous contributions of as little as £10 a month for a girl’s educational needs to secure her future. Browse through the list of deserving candidates, select one or more, and get in touch. As a regular sponsor, you will constantly get updates on your student’s progress. The best part of your sponsorship is that 100% of your generous contributions would be utilized for the said contribution. There would be no additional cut or distribution to another. The girl that you sponsor receives the entire sponsorship to secure her career. Through sponsorship, you will be able to:
2. Charity DonationsSome girls might have access to go to school but due to poverty, many of them lack basic educational supplies. We at SaGG aim to provide the necessary tools and amenities needed for their education with the help of your donations. By supporting our girl child education projects, you can GIVE A LITTLE. MAKE A GREAT IMPACT! Due to the pandemic, there was a loss of 30 sponsors in 2022. By donating £2, $2, €2, or D100 monthly direct debit, you will be able to continue our endeavour in striving to educate our girls. 3. Charity Champion and AmbassdorWhen you have a voice, use it! This is exactly how our Charity Champions support our missions in their respective countries and cities. With a strong passion to advocate for girls' education, they help to connect girls with sponsors and contribute in many ways. Our Charity Champions are self-driven to make a high and positive impact in laying the foundation to change girls’ lives through the gift of education. They recruit sponsors, support fundraising initiatives, and make contributions in their own unique way. You too can become a champion and make a difference today! As a Charity Champion, you will be able to:
4. Corporate Charity PartnershipThrough collaborated partnerships, you could discover new heights for businesses by working towards the betterment of society. By collaborating with us, you play a part in creating a positive impact in providing educational opportunities to deprived and underprivileged girls in The Gambia. Partnership opportunities such as supporting events, co-creating marketing, and brand campaigns, and opportunities to engage staff, improve customer trust, and reach new audiences are a few ways of binding our mission and efforts together. Through these partnerships, what we bring to the table is motivation, reliability, and quality experience. We work with our Corporate Charity Partners to find the balance for achieving the best results together. We maintain the highest level of transparency to ensure trust from all our partners. SaGG is open to any initiatives and will support our partners in shaping those ideas into real actions. On the business front, you would benefit from achieving your CSR goals, maintaining a positive brand image, and driving employee engagement. Your volunteering will keep our girls smilingVolunteering can be the experience of a lifetime. You can help manifest a promising future for another. Start today, start NOW! Check out what our previous volunteers have to say! Click here Follow our socials for daily updates.The Gambia norm and culture Vis-à-vis women and girls matriarchal/patriarchal SocietyOpinion Piece by The Late Rev. Dr. John Loum Let me be clear, conceptually, nature has it understandably that women and men are equal in every way shape, or form. Sadly, in Gambia's patriarchal society the trend has been and continued with women and girls' roles has been structurally at home and society largely defined by men. Given that, the men who are the dominant power player, functionally codified the trend, on how women/girls were to operate. At home domestically, also matrimonially as in society extending to their workplaces [ office], etc. For example, I grew up in Gambia where women and girls were not given equal opportunities as boys in gaining any education, unfairly the boys would be in the streets enjoying leisurely their time playing football, and building networks of friendships and groups, in Banjul area boys would go for swinging around the beach or playing at McCarthy square. Cultural Barriers Limiting Women and GirlsThe barrier of institutionalizing Gambian women and girls as second class or socialize domesticated spices who are to be seen as unequaled equal is dismally incrementally changing much still needs to be done. As a trend or norm must be long past gone. All forms of these institutionalized patterns of cultural norms have fizzled out gradually or obliterated. Solutions for Women and Girls’ InclusionThen as we are developing strategies towards remedies and solutions, first global modernity will force on our women, or they will be left in the wind. Second women should have in place a constructive structure on the grass-root level in empowering and creating gender awareness. Along with that the goal should be re-educating and defusing much of the old ways, including cultural norms which could either be a stumbling block or an inhibition in the way of women's dignity, equal acceptance, and gender fair treatment in all spheres of human space and life.
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The SaGG Foundation (Sponsor a Gambian Girl) is a girl’s education movement, with aim of championing the cause for girl child education in The Gambia. Education is a basic human right; our vision is to advocate and champion for girls' education.
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