The world is familiar with Malala Yousafzai’s shocking story – the Pakistani girl who was shot in the head by the Taliban over a year ago.
Now living and schooling in the UK, she is an education campaigner, a children’s and women’s rights activist.
Despite the overwhelming global support she’s received, she’s still under threat if she returns to her home country.
Guess what? She’s only 16.
Today is International Day of the Girl Child.
In this year’s observance, the focus is the basic human right for every girl to be given an education.
We tend to forget how good we have it here in Australia.
Just in my affluent neighbourhood, one of the biggest concern for parents is getting their children on the waiting list to the exclusive private school up the road.
And you know what? I really don’t understand the fuss.
Down the road is a perfectly, well-resourced primary public school where I can’t WAIT for the twinlets to start their education.
It has fantastic, motivated teachers, beautiful grounds for play and recreation, easy access to books, libraries and the internet. A school that has its own Stephanie Alexander garden gets a HUGE tick in my books.
So, why do we worry when there are countless of children, especially girls around the world who are deprived from the basic right to learn?
Instead, they’re forced to marry at a young age, sold to bonded labour and even prostitution.
66 million girls are currently out of school.
Yet, it’s a proven fact: educate a girl child and the society around them miraculously transforms.
Giving them the power to know about their political and human rights, even their sexual safety, allows them to grow and thrive as confident, self-sufficient women.
Tonight, I’m taking Mr Surfer to see the screening of “Girl Rising” – a documentary following 10 girls from different parts of the world and their struggles and triumphs to win the fight for education in their countries.
Supported by World Vision, the film is shown in all Australian major cities tonight with a second screening due in Sydney and a third in Melbourne.
Tickets can be bought here.
I’m imagining it’s not going to be what Mr Surfer and I will classify as ‘date night’. The stories will no doubt be heartbreaking but they will also be inspiring.
In the end, we can’t desensitize ourselves while others suffer.
To know about it is one step closer to wanting to do something to change it.
***This isn’t a sponsored post, by the way. I’ve been given tickets by World Vision to see the movie but I definitely would’ve bought them myself***
***All these beautiful images have been downloaded from here
2. Sign up to the awesome Digital Parents community ( if you haven’t already done so). DP was created by Brenda Gaddi who happens to be the creator of FYBF. She’s also created 4 gorgeous kidlets. In case you’d like to know. Or maybe not. But we’ll share that info just the same.
3. Add your post URL to the linky. Please only link up one post.
4. Grab the funky FYBF button and post it on your sidebar. Help spread the blogfloggin love.
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Enjoy the film – good post.
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..Stumped!
Well said, Grace. I nodded along with every sentence. We’ve tried to do our tiny part by sponsoring a little girl from Ethiopia. She was 7 when we started and now she’s about to turn 17. It’s been such a rewarding experience to have the privilege of seeing her grow into a beautiful young woman, and it’s provided a great learning opportunity for the boys. They’ve learnt about what it’s like for children in less affluent countries and have some appreciation for how lucky we are in Australia.
I recommend it to everyone.
Leanne Winter recently posted..Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall: Children & Body Image
Thanks for sharing Grace.
A few years ago I red “Half the Sky” and have been sponsoring a girl in education and women in business ever since. It’s powerful stuff …
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 1466 – An Update
Education is the only thing that cannot be taken away from a girl and that is why it is so important. Great post Grace.
Carolyn
Desire Empire recently posted..Blue and White Hamptons Home of Mel from Georgica Pond Blog on the Market
What frightening statistics, Grace. Education IS the key and you are right, we are so lucky to have our infrastructure, resources and laws recognising this. x
Shari recently posted..Sometimes shit happens that breaks your heart
Malala’s story is a terrifying! What an incredibly strong soul. We Westerners don’t have a clue how good we have it, for sure. The where-to-send-your-kids-to-school debate it raging all around us now that out boys are approaching school age. And we are in your camp though, the local primary school (near the catholic school) is lovely and small, the principal is great and I’m thrilled that they are off to school soon and that we are even privileged enough to even be having this conversation.
I haven’t blogged on a Friday for a while because of unforeseen busy-ness! But it’s great to have the time today to read your touching post and link up. Thanks for hosting, it must take so much time out of your week, I’m so impressed with your dedication to the bloggy community. Thanks. xx
natalia familia recently posted..Giving plastic bags the flick.
Great post, and such an important issue. I love that you made note of how good we have it here in Australia – we are extremely privileged, but we must remember to keep our eyes on the world and all the people in it, never ignoring the plight of others. I’ll be checking out that movie. Have a lovely weekend! xx
Katie (@mumabytes) recently posted..A Letter to The Bachelor
Such a great post on such an important topic! There are so many things that we take for granted. Great work Grace for increasing awareness about all our sisters out there who do not even have access to basic education. Great work!
Shelley @ Money Mummy recently posted..How To Teach Your Children About Money
It is a tragedy that so many girls are denied their basic right to an education because of their gender. We do have it incredibly good here and it’s easy to take it for granted. My kids go to a wonderful public school and are part of a wonderful local community – we are indeed very, very lucky here in Australia. I hope you both take a lot away from the film Grace x
Kirsty @ My Home Truths recently posted..Home Sweet Home: a Story & a Giveaway!
Many cultures fear educating women for exactly the beneficial reasons you state so well. Ignorant people keep others down to remain on top. Civilized people seek to raise everyone in order to achieve even more for themselves.
Cranky Old Man recently posted..LASAGNA
Mum and I were only discussing this morning how lucky we are to be living in Australia after discussing this story. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the movie tonight. I just tried to book tix for Melbourne viewing next weekend but already sold out. Will try for the 3rd viewing. xxx
Neets recently posted..Good Health Summer Festival
Lovely post, Grace. I heard about this documentary a while ago and it’s definitely on my hope-to-see list. (That said, I haven’t made it to the movies for a very long time! And it’s not something I want to take bub to!)
Thanks for hosting FYBF.
Emily recently posted..Breastfeeding – the lesser known pros and cons
It’s always amazes me how poorly females are treated compared to males in many situation. Especially considering how easy it is for us over here, the fact that girls are still commodities in some places is truly heartbreaking.
EssentiallyJess recently posted..Different
This is actually something I think about a lot. I really hate the gender equality that exists in a lot of countries, not because I am a feminist but because I just can’t imagine growing up without basic rights just because I was born a girl. I think its appalling the way women are treated in some countries. My heart breaks for them.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..Mending relationships
The one thing the world should change is the treatment of the female population in it. Education is the key to better treatment. Sounds like a great film. Like you, I believe public education is the absolute best! I worked in a private school and having seen the behind the scenes drive (namely, enrolments equals dollars), I would now never choose this option. People tend to overlook the fact that the teachers all attended the same few colleges. One has a hefty price tag and the other does not.
Jody at Six Little Hearts recently posted..Oh The Things They Can Say…
It always put things in perspective when looking at what those who are struggling with achieving basic human rights are going through! It’s so great that you are spreading this message Grace. x Karen
Karen recently posted..The problem with being Two
We sponsor a little girl in India. I’m sorry i can’t attend tonight as we had to return home last night.
Thank you for raising awareness.
Trish recently posted..iGuy and Mr Bump
sounds like a fantastic film.. I hope they bring it into Singapore. have a fantastic night with Mr Surfer and as a mummy of a little girl, thanks for posting more on this.
Ai Sakura recently posted..The Challenge of Raising Daughters
My sister saw this movie Grace and loved it – said it was very sad but also inspiring and moving. I hope you and Mr Surfer enjoy yourselves. xx
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..Pocket money for teenagers
Hard to believe that in the 21st century, so much of the world’s population is still down trodden purely because of their gender. Blessed to be an Aussie hey?!
Janet @ Redland City Living recently posted..5 Reasons why I love Candles
Yes it’s amazing what we take for granted here – education, freedom, safety. So many young women get nothing but heartache and grief. Lovely post hun and enjoy your night out! Em xx
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..My baby boy almost drowned and it was all my fault.
We’re so much luckier than many people in other countries, but it’s way too easy to forget. I try not to take education for granted, to me it’s one of the most important things in a child’s life. Along with providing a safe and secure environment to grow.
The more attention we bring to the imbalance of women’s rights, the better.
I hope you and Mr. Surfer enjoy (maybe not the right word) the movie Grace x
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..5 Good Things For You
Malala: what a brave young lady. Such upsetting statistics about girl’s education. We do truly live in the lucky country. I would love to see that film.
Kaz @ Melting Moments recently posted..Fly on by Friday – Some News
Great post Grace. As the mother who has seen first hand the conditions and human rights violations against girls (and boys) in other countries, I am so grateful to be raising my daughter (and son) in this country, feel privileged to have access to amazing public education and am hopeful that by educating others about the rights of women globally that we can all make a difference and our children will grow up in a kinder and less imbalanced world. Have a great night out… wish I could make that movie too x
Aleney recently posted..That’s the Spirit
Watching and reading about these horrible situations that children face is heartbreaking and you are absolutely right it does make you take stock and really how amazingly good we do have it and what opportunities that we have that we all too easily take for granted.
I hope that you get a lot out of watching the film, I am sure it will be a hard watch but a truly inspiring one too. X
rhian @melbs recently posted..London – through the eyes of a toddler
Such a worthy cause Grace. Every time I read or hear about one of these stories my heart rips a bit. Thanks for flagging such an important day. P x
Pip recently posted..This Age is Fierce
It is good just to read /see more to learn even such flagrant abuses of human rights…ie. right to education /literacy are somewhere else.
My two beautiful girls are going to have a fantastic education regardless of whether they are sent to public or private schools. What they make of it is up to them. That is a wonderful thing. Thanks for the reminder.
Mumabulous recently posted..Tea & Crumpet With Mr Darcy
Malala’s story is so amazing. Thank you for highlighting this important day, and the many challenges still faced by girls around the world. x
Lara @ This Charming Mum recently posted..Power, progress and the Ponton Factor
Great post Grace. Enjoy the movie with Mr Surfer 🙂 x
Julie@Off to the park recently posted..October is mental health month
Fantastic post. It is devastating what so many girls are still going through in this day and age throughout the world. Enjoy the doco. Take tissues!
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..Just breathe
You have said it so well Grace. I was unaware of the documentary screening and will be interested to hear your thoughts on it.
Becc recently posted..Can you ZIP IT please?
Such a moving post, Grace. Two things you wrote resounded particularly with me: ‘ educate a girl child and the society around them miraculously transforms’ and ‘we can’t desensitize ourselves while others suffer’. I wholeheartedly agree that with you about the public school system. I went to a private school myself and have taught at both private and government schools and I send my son to a government school. He has two class teachers and they are both brilliant educators, both totally dedicated and enthusiastic. The school also offers a large range of extra-curricula activities. I won’t be able to make it to a screening of “Girl Rising” but the trailer looks so interesting. Thanks for this really informative post.
lizzy allan – muddle-headed mamma recently posted..Backyard Birthday Treasure Hunt
What a beautiful post. Something to think about, especially when we live in a country that gives us all so many opportunities. Thanks for sharing.
Kirsten from kirsten and co. recently posted..the friday five
I didn’t know about this special day Grace. Thanks for highlighting it. Education is another thing we take for granted here. I’ll have to check when this movie will be screened in Melbourne.
Rita recently posted..Things I know
We have so much don’t we. So much. xx
kirri recently posted..A love letter – From flaws to Adored Foibles
You’re inspiring Grace. And go the Australian public school system. 🙂
Danya Banya recently posted..Bake Sale Idea: Wholemeal Anzac Biscuits!
What an inspiring post! You’re right, we’re so blessed. Hope this film comes to America. Going to look it up now! Thanks for the blog party!
Mary Denman recently posted..Photo Tip Friday – Learning How to Focus on the Subject You Want
All of this is inspiring and heartbreaking, isn’t it.
Sam Stone recently posted..The last few days…
In my neighborhood, there are a few women who still wear the full coverage burkas and it makes me so angry I wind up kicking myself. In a way, though, they serve as a reminder of the freedom we have even though they are still oppressed and standing right next to us at dismissal time. Thanks for your post.
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