In the ‘mega camps’ of Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees are stuck living in one of the toughest environments on earth. There is little access to education and girls face pressure to stay home. But in spite of this, there is hope. We hear from Bristy, one of our Project Officers in Bangladesh who shares what she and the team are doing to change attitudes and inspire girls to learn. In Lebanon, our partners, Triumphant Mercy provide education for Syrian refugee children in a dedicated school in Zahle. The curriculum includes vocational activities which the children love, but participation in these classes has often perpetuated gender stereotypes. We’re delighted to share how we are beginning to break down these gender barriers to open up opportunities for girls and boys. Dalit women and girls in India face a ‘triple burden’ of gender bias, caste discrimination and economic deprivation. We work with our partners to break the cycle of discrimination and ensure that Dalit girls are not sidelined from education and that Dalit women are able to realise their rights. Find out how...
On this year’s International Women’s Day, we are reflecting on some of the amazing women that make our programmes happen around the world, by asking our team in the UK who inspires them and why.
This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, and it asks us to imagine a gender equal world, a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Children on the Edge envisions a world in which every child thrives regardless of their geography, ethnicity, gender, or caste. So we’d like to introduce some of the women that most inspire us, and how they’re contributing to ‘breaking the bias’. In India, as schools reopen, we’re delighted to share progress from our programme to support older Dalit children to continue their education and build up vital skills to help them break the cycle of discrimination they face.
Poonam attended a government school in India until seventh grade. This was when her parents pulled her out of school despite her protests, so that she could work to support her family’s increasing household expenses. At just 17, her parents then made arrangements for her to marry a local boy.
Child marriage puts an end to childhood. It impacts young girls’ right to education and puts them at risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. Girls who are married as children are less likely to be in school and they struggle to earn money and contribute to the community. They are also more likely to have children while they are still children themselves and are more at risk of dying due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. It is estimated that 1.5 million girls under 18 get married in India each year, making it home to the largest number of child brides in the world. Dalit children, like Poonam, as members of the lowest caste in India are especially at risk of child marriage and face discrimination at almost every level. Our programme in India looks to change this by creating protective environments for Dalit children in and surrounding Patna in Bihar State. |
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