#USA #New York #Gender Equality #Education Cannot Wait #Emergency Education

Education Cannot Wait's New Grants for Gender Equality in Education

In an unprecedented move, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the United Nations' global fund dedicated to education in emergencies, has announced the issuance of innovative grants totaling $1.9 million. These funds will be crucial in advancing gender equality in education, especially for girls and women affected by crises. Notably, these announcements are in partnership with the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative (UNGEI) and Plan International Canada.

A Step Toward Equality

Yasmine Sherif, ECW's executive director, emphasized the dire circumstances that girls face in crisis situations. "Girls living in emergencies are often hampered by complex barriers related to their gender that impede their right to education. Without access to safe learning environments, their aspirations and dreams can be crushed by factors such as forced child marriages, gender-based violence, unintended pregnancies, and exploitation. These partnerships with UNGEI and Plan International will enhance our collective efforts to empower girls to claim their rights."

According to statistics, four out of five countries with the highest gender disparities in education are experiencing conflict. This funding aims to bridge the existing gaps and work on-the-ground with local partners to address these pressing issues. Antara Ganguli, director of UNGEI, reiterated the transformative potential of investing in girls' education, stating, "Investing in girls' education is one of the most powerful means to build resilient communities and create a more peaceful and just world."

Tactical Approach to Fund Allocation

The initiative consists of two main grants:
1. $1 million will be deployed by UNGEI to tackle systemic gender inequalities in education by incorporating gender-sensitive approaches in emergency education programs.
2. $900,000 will be allocated to Plan International Canada, focusing on effectively measuring transformational gender changes within education during emergencies.

The Stark Reality

The need for these grants is underscored by alarming statistics. By 2030, it is projected that only one in three girls in crisis-affected countries will complete secondary school. Currently, 53% of the 72 million children out of school due to crises are girls. Furthermore, 70% of women in humanitarian contexts experience gender-based violence, compared to 35% globally.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach

The approach to gender equality in education during emergencies must consider the intersecting factors that contribute to inequalities. Tanjina Mirza, chief of programs for Plan International Canada, emphasized the significance of systematically measuring intersectional gender equality results during education crises. "Such an approach is critical for triggering meaningful, transformative, and inclusive gender changes and fortifying a broad community of practice."

Conclusion

Education Cannot Wait continues to call for urgent support from public and private donors to extend its reach to more vulnerable children and youth. The commitment to creating safe learning environments for girls in crisis situations can reshape futures, not just for individuals but for entire communities. As these initiatives unfold, they promise to bring hope and empowerment to those who need it the most.

For further updates on this initiative and further educational efforts by ECW, you can follow their journey on Twitter @EduCannotWait or visit their official website at www.educationcannotwait.org.