Girls Education for Brighter Futures Post-COVID-19

Dear Graduate Women International Donors,

Worldwide over 30 million girls of primary school age are not enrolled in school as well as 97 million girls of secondary school age (UNESCO). On top of these numbers, two thirds of the 759 million illiterates around the world are women (UN). School closures due to COVID-19 have exacerbated gender inequalities, especially for the poorest women and girls. Women and girls’ equal access to education is crucial for sustainable development, for peaceful societies and for individual wellbeing. At local, national and international levels, women and girls’ equal access to education must remain a top priority.

Girls Education for Brighter Futures supporters help to fund women and girls’ equal access to education through the GWI Bina Roy Partners in Development (BRPID) programme. BRPID supports locally-developed and operated projects to empower women and girls through education and leadership development. The current 2022 projects focus on reducing the number of unemployed women and educating women about historical heritage (Egypt), educating girls about recycling to combat environmental pollution (Ghana), empowering girls through education and income generating activities (Nepal), and training girls, parents, and teachers in the making of reusable sanitary pads (Uganda). To carry out these projects, GWI has partnered with Egyptian Association of University Women (EAUW), Ghana Association of University Women (GAUW), Nepal Association of University Women (NAUW) and Association of University Women Uganda LTD.  We invite all GWI donors and friends to read and share the 2022 project summaries here.

To further share how your donations, impact the lives of women and girls, we offer a brief overview of the current EAUW BRPID project. In Egypt, the ancient heritage is considered a main aspect of the Egyptian identity. Yet, some of its industries have begun to disappear, such as the handmade papyrus, carpet and pottery industries. At the same time, a reduction in job opportunities for graduate women has been observed, resulting in an increase in the unemployment rate. The GWI project in Egypt is addressing this issue, by reducing the number of unemployed women and helping them to find job opportunities, while preserving Egyptian historical heritage with workshops and training to produce products and display them in bazaars and fairs. The project targets women from Egyptian universities, who want to enrich their skills and learn about how to produce ancient Egyptian goods. Three hundred to five hundred women are expected to benefit from these training courses. 

Graduate Women International (GWI) continues working tirelessly to coordinate and manage advocacy projects and initiatives on local, national and international levels. We need your help too. The generous donations to the GWI Girls’ Education for Brighter Futures contributes to supporting these projects. Contributions of any amount have made meaningful, positive impacts on the lives of women and girls around the world. Please reach out to anyone you know and invite them to donate as well. Your contributions matter, and we are sincerely grateful.

You can help the GWI Girls Education for Brighter Futures programme by generously donating:

• 20 dollars per month to support girl’s education and life skills training to reduce poverty cycle.
• 50 dollars per month to contribute to projects that focus on eliminating sociocultural barriers girls face towards getting an education such as child marriage, menstrual hygiene insecurity and female genital mutilation.
• 60 dollars per month to help fund GWI projects for girl’s education in low-income countries and triennial fellowships.
• 400 dollars one time donation will contribute to the development of girl’s leadership and mentorship workshops.

GWI appreciates your support and your dedication to advocating for women’s and girls' right to an education. Donations to the Girls Education for Brighter Futures programme can be made HERE. 

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Graduate Women International