Empowering Girls through Education Strengthens Economies

Unfortunately, in our very progressive global world, millions of girls still have little or no access to education. Who can forget the story about Malala Yousafzai, shot by the Taliban last year on a school bus in Pakistan because she was determined to go to school under the shadow of the Taliban? I think we would all agree that education should be a fundamental right for all. By the time Malala was wounded, she had become internationally known for her views on the importance of giving girls a chance to get educated. (She has now recovered and is going to school in England.)

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) recognises the major role technology plays in improving both the quality of and access to education. It has joined forces with the 10x10 campaign and partners with it for its new feature film, Girl Rising, screened on April 18 at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. at an event to give a greater momentum to girls' education and empowerment. The film is directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins and spotlights the stories of nine girls born into unforgiving circumstances, delivering a single powerful message: educating girls in developing nations will change the world.

The documentary shows stories of girls from India to Peru who successfully fought to get an education in the face ofextreme poverty or rigid societal traditions where girls are not encouraged to attend school. Intel and 10x10 will also be working with policymakers in low- and middle-income countries to develop education and technology plans toempower women, to achieve gender equity in access to quality education and accelerate economic development.

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Sangeeta Haindl is a staff writer for Justmeans on Social Enterprise. When not writing for Justmeans, Sangeeta wears her other hat as a PR professional. Over the years, she has worked with high-profile organizations within the public, not-for-profit and corporate sectors; and won awards from her industry. She now runs her own UK consultancy: Serendipity PR & Media.