#girls-education

#girls-education

First marked in 1911, International Women's Day began as a campaign for women's rights to work, vote and hold public office. Over the past century, it has evolved into a global moment to celebrate women's achievements, highlight gender inequality, support female-focused charities, and push for a more inclusive society. Every year we celebrate IWD on 8th March but it's one day that comes and goes with very little tangible change.

"These groups are changing the way girls see themselves in their own communities and in our world, helping create the leaders we need for the brighter future we all deserve,"

At 7pm, the scheduled start time, her laptop screen stayed black. The family's wifi, like the wireless internet across her neighbourhood, had gone and with it, her only chance to continue her education. These online classes were my only source of hope, says Marjaneh, speaking from Afghanistan through a crackling phone connection. I thought, when they [Taliban] closed schools at least they wouldn't cut the internet, but now that has been taken away too.

Enrolment in madrassas has surged in Afghanistan, with one school expanding from 35 to 160 students in five years as families seek alternative education.