In my classroom, I see bright, curious girls with dreams of becoming teachers, doctors, artists, pilots and engineers. They are everything what you would call an ideal student. They are multi-talented and are eager to learn; however, they face one difficulty; i.e. lack of time and support. Their dreams are shattered by the stereotypes of the society. They are expected to carry the weight of expectations far beyond their age and are told that their first role is to care for others; their ambitions, passions and potential come second. It is the matter of gender equality that the world still struggles to achieve.
I believe change is constant and we all need a change in perspective. We need special lenses to truly see the potential in our girls: as leaders, innovators, caregivers and change makers.
So how do we shift this mindset? How do we help parents, elders and girls themselves understand that a girl’s education is not a burden but their right and the foundation for a better world?