Prevent Sexual Abuse by Educating Girls

In his book, Half the Sky, Nicholas D. Kristof writes, “The single most important way to encourage women and girls to stand up for their rights is education, and we can do far more to promote universal education in poor countries.” 

Since 2010, Freely in Hope has been standing for women's rights in education by providing opportunities, access, and full academic scholarships to girls affected by sexual violence. We believe in investing in girls because: 

• Investing in a girl's education is investing in a nation. An African proverb says, “If we educate a boy, we educate one person.  If we educate a girl, we educate a family – and a whole nation.” By sending a girl to school, she is far more likely to ensure that her children and her community will also receive an education (Concern).  

• When 10% more of its girls go to school, a country's GDP increases an average of 3% (USAID),

• Educating a girl results in lower maternal and child mortality rates. Girls who receive an education are less likely to contract HIV & AIDS, and thus, less likely to pass it onto their children (UN).

• Educating women and girls makes them less likely to be victims of domestic and sexual violence. Knowing their rights, women and girls will have the power to speak out against violence, pursue justice, and influence the justice system as policy makers (UNAC).  

In celebration of International Women's Day, GlobalGiving.co.uk is launching a We Believe in Girls 50% Match campaign! Matching starts now with only £12,000 of matching funds available! GlobalGiving will be matching donations by 50%, up to £500 per unique donor per project. 

Join us by giving to our project which provides high school scholarships for survivors of sexual violence. By educating girls, we find that in unity and in community, we are strengthened to hold up the sky together.