Beyond March: A commitment to supporting girls' education every day

March is Women’s Month, a crucial opportunity to amplify our commitment to gender equality and the persistent challenges faced by women and girls. The dialogue surrounding women's rights and opportunities must extend beyond a single day of celebration—it should resonate throughout the entire month and beyond. We must take deliberate actions to transition the energy of events like International Women’s Day into ongoing efforts that create lasting change. For many women and girls around the world, the struggle for equality is a daily reality that demands our attention and action. This year’s theme, "Accelerating Action for Gender Equality," underscores the urgent need for focused initiatives, particularly in girls' education.

Organizations like the Bridge Foundation are leading the charge by implementing targeted programs that aim to increase access to education for girls in underserved communities. Their efforts include scholarship initiatives, mentorship programs, and resource distribution that ensure girls can attend school despite economic and social barriers. We must collectively commit to advocating for girls' education all year round, moving from symbolism to substantive action.

Currently, millions of girls are still deprived of the educational opportunities essential for their empowerment and future success. According to a World Bank report, "Every additional year of secondary school can increase a girl’s future earnings by 10–20%.” To make a meaningful impact, we need to address the barriers that hinder girls' education, such as outdated cultural norms, inadequate facilities, and economic pressures that prioritize boys. Bridge Foundation has, for the last sixteen years, been partnering with underserved communities to remove these obstacles through community engagement and awareness campaigns that promote the value of educating girls. These issues do not vanish after International Women's Day; they persist and require continuous attention. We must amplify our efforts beyond celebrations to ensure every girl has a fair chance at education, remaining steadfast in our advocacy for their rights.

Consistent, urgent action is essential to ensuring that girls can pursue their education unhindered. Investing in girls’ education is not only a moral obligation; it is a strategic investment in a brighter, more equitable future. Educated girls grow into empowered women who can advocate for their rights and contribute to their communities. Bridge Foundation exemplifies this approach by not only expanding access to meaningful education but also empowering girls with the skills and knowledge they need to overcome societal barriers.

By supporting girls' education, we are nurturing future leaders who will drive change and improve economic outcomes for families and societies alike.

The benefits of investing in girls’ education ripple out, creating positive change at both local and national levels, fostering prosperity for generations to come. So, what does it mean to actively support girls’ education? It involves creating safe and inclusive learning environments, free from violence and discrimination, where girls can thrive. Bridge Foundation is leading the way by establishing schools, providing training for teachers, and ensuring that educational resources are accessible. Engaging with communities to challenge and change cultural norms is vital, as is pushing governments and organizations to allocate resources toward girls’ education.

We must extend our commitment beyond annual observances, championing ongoing efforts that ensure girls have access to quality education. Moreover, education should not be confined to traditional schooling. Lifelong learning opportunities must be made available for women of all ages, encompassing skill training, technology access, and leadership development. Programs supported by the Bridge Foundation focus on this holistic approach to education, fostering growth that extends well beyond the classroom. It's essential to view education as a continuous journey, empowering individuals throughout life rather than marking a fixed endpoint.

As we move forward from Women’s Month, we must convert awareness into concrete action, prioritizing the quest for girls' education with renewed urgency and focus. Let’s embrace the responsibility to uplift and champion girls’ education every day, reinforcing our shared commitment to this vital cause. With organizations like the Bridge Foundation at the forefront, we can work collectively to dismantle barriers and open doors for girls everywhere. The call to action is clear, and it is up to all of us to meet this challenge. By standing together and striving for equality in education, we can pave the way for a brighter future for girls everywhere. The time to act is now.

The writer is the Managing Director of the Bridge Academies Foundation