Op-Ed Assignment- feedback needed please!

Dear all,

They say if you educate a man you educate an individual and if you educate a woman, you have educated an entire household or even community. If this is the case, why are they not educating as many girls as possible in Somalia so that it could get out of the big mess it is in today? For my Op-Ed assignment, I would like to write about girls education in Somalia and discuss challenges and opportunities including disability and displacement issues.

Is the Education For All Somalia Country program really for all or does it leave some people out? Assessments from the field will provide us with information regarding the multiple challenges and vulnerabilities girls face in accessing education including safety, security, gender-insensitive projects, gender-blind teaching and socio-cultural issues such as resistance to the idea that girls and women can be trusted with education.

What is being done for disabled girls so that their vulnerability is not only recognized but also minimized to as to access education and participate actively in society?. From a gender perspective, I will highlight some of the initiatives being undertaken to change thinking and cultural practices to enable girls to go to school and how particular consideration is needed in a country where there is none for girls with disabilities or displaced.

I will try to not only describe the situation but also present my opinion on the matter as well as present examples of how different actors are approaching the topic and its challenges (what works/doesn’t work), and to finally draw out some conclusions and recommendations. In so doing I am hoping to present an article with constructive information that can be as useful as possible to readers around the world who may be working in the same field or considering initiating programs and also to try to raise awareness among policymakers and donors.

Because I am approaching the topic from many angles, I feel perhaps they be too many angles! Please provide your usual and highly-welcomed advice and tips!!

I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you so much!