Empowerment of Rural Girls

A vital prerequisite to global development is gender equality. Women’s empowerment begins with girls. Too often the deprivations and inequalities suffered by girls are accepted as their preparation for womanhood. The continuity of traditional inequities will make it impossible for girls and women to contribute to the fundamental changes needed for creating more equitable societies and sustainable development. In the case of rural communities in particular,  rural women will be instrumental as role models for girls of dynamic leadership to help remove gender-specific barriers in rural areas and villages.

Rural girls need to be included in decision-making at all levels, including at the level of the family, community, and in political processes. The experiences, perspectives and solutions that rural girls bring are unique, and governments have much to benefit from girls’ input when policies and programs affecting the wellbeing of societies are under consideration. Rural girls rely on the implementation of the SDGs to be able to flourish, as doors open to their education and empowerment. In addition, as has been repeatedly affirmed at the international level, the empowerment of girls has a ‘multiplier effect’—it results in exponential benefit to society as girls are able to contribute and make decisions that affect the social and economic prosperity of all. For example, the empowerment of rural girls leads to reduced chances of early marriage, greater likelihood of girls’ informed and active role in family planning, decreased infant and maternal mortality, and enhanced participation of girls in social, economic and political decision-making. These all contribute to the advancement of development processes. We must listen to the voices of girls, include them in our consultations, empower them, build their capacities and embolden them to play an active role in collective life.

“Girls: Breaking Barriers”

Statement to the UN Commission on the Status of Women 2018