Open Letter to Girls of the World

Dear Girls of the World:
I am writing on behalf of our global communities to not only express the continuing, deep commitment regarding the plight of girls worldwide, but also to ensure that there really is an amazing “phenomenon” occurring: an active role in eliminating global poverty and gender disparity through the power of education. Implemented foreign assistance strategies; policies and programs; and campaigns have magnified philanthropic endeavors, which are maximized through the power of social media, crowd funding, and new, creative platforms that bring to light the much needed and necessary shift in paradigm regarding girls and their rights to obtaining an education.

In today’s world, there are a multitude of organizations and institutions that have reached remarkable milestones in their commitment to women and girls living in poverty around the world. These programs allow girls from poor families a chance to eradicate poverty by helping them obtain an education.

Destiny can be impacted by denial of choices and options: decisions that profoundly define the differences between a male and a female’s roles in society; hence, discounting and minimizing a girls’ rights and responsibilities in this world. In nations of the world such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, the literacy rate for girls and women is so staggeringly low that one can only hope that the need for educating females will bring about some form of a change that is nothing less than revolutionary.

Remember, girls, that education will empower you to develop confidence. It prepares you for leadership skills and encourages civic action, while increasing participation within your own community. It truly is the only chance to escape the cycle of poverty for the next generation.

It will allow you to rise from the ashes and take control of your life. It is, essentially, the golden ticket towards your quest. Getting that ticket is not an easy, linear path: many of you have gone through tremendous hurdles and hoops of fire to simply acquire what was rightfully yours. As a global community, we will continue to advance together by empowering each and every girl with the universal right to obtain an education.

Sincerely,

Another Girl of the World

(Photo: Courtesy of Human Development Foundation, www.HDF.com)

In response to CNN's Film, "Girl Rising": "What is one thing you would tell girls of the world about education?"
Read the full iReport here: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-973554