THE PROBLEM

Approximately 132 million girls are out of school today. Globally, in primary schools only 66 percent of nations have gender parity, in lower secondary school only 45 percent have gender parity, and in upper secondary school only 25 percent of nations have gender parity according to UNICEF. UNESCO found that of the 774 million adults in the world who are illiterate, two-thirds of them are women and of the 123 million illiterate youth, 76 million are girls. Those statistics have not varied over time, demonstrating that the problem is failing to be resolved. There are a range of reasons for this, from cultural and societal norms, to poverty, to war, to gender-based violence. However, it has been proven time and time again that one of the most effective forms of boosting a nation’s economy, catalyzing development, and increasing overall quality of life for its citizens is investing in and fighting for women’s equal education. 

The issue of ensuring women’s right to education is a complex one: just as we cannot end poverty with a wish, we cannot change the world’s view of women and eradicate all the obstacles disadvantaged women face in their pursuit of an equal, better life with a letter. With a problem as complex and intermingled with the world’s largest challenges, it's about dropping a pebble in a still lake. How do we cause that ripple? We spread awareness, we empower, and we act. We write letters and advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves, we tell our stories and the stories of women across the globe, we tell the world that education is our right, and we fight for it. A single letter will not change the world, but multitudes of letters may just help push change forward. So for that, we ask that she, he, they, wherever they are, writes for rights.