Reaching 60 million girls
In 1999, Wanda Bedard learned about the unfair treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule, and it immediately infuriated her. As time went on, she read more haunting stories of discrimination, violence, and oppression, which consumed her thoughts and weighed heavy on her heart. She could not believe that women and girls were denied the right to work or attend school. Wanda found herself obsessed with this issue and could not stop talking about how unjust it was. One day, while she shared her thoughts and anger with her family, her young daughter looked at her and simply asked, “Mom, what are you going to do about it?”
That simple yet honest question sparked something in Wanda, and she knew she needed to do something. Wanda had no clue where to start and no humanitarian aid experience, but she was determined to help.
A movement is born
Wanda spent two years researching everything she could about Afghanistan and the needs of women and girls. One of the most important things she learned is that girls who fulfill their right to access quality education have the chance to improve their lives.
Wanda went on to volunteer with a large NGO and gained the knowledge and experience that led her to eventually branch out on her own. In 2006, her drive to create change for girls birthed a noble mission to launch her charity, the 60 million girls Foundation, dedicated to girls’ education across the globe.
60 million girls and Save the Children
When Wanda and her team from 60 million girls learned about the Save the Children project She Belongs in School (SBIS), they were immediately interested in a partnership. SBIS is a project implemented in remote communities in the Nampula province of northern Mozambique. There is a general perception in the area that girls do not need an education and should focus on marriage and having children. Boys’ education is given priority; only 14% of girls reach secondary school compared to 20% of boys.
SBIS tackles inequalities and harmful attitudes about gender so that girls can be protected and succeed at school. 60 million girls introduced their Mobile Learning Labs innovation as a pilot to be used within SBIS. The Mobile Learning Labs will allow girls to learn remotely using solar powered tablets connected to a durable offline server that holds self-guided lessons, learning modules, and activities girls can access on the tablets. No internet connection is necessary, which is perfect for communities in Nampula, as it is very remote. The Mobile Learning Labs will be established in Distance Learning Centres that support the continuation of girls’ secondary education.
Why educating girls matters
“When girls are in school and learning, it is their starting point for a future of success,” says Wanda. When girls go to school, they often postpone early marriage and pregnancy until they are ready. Wanda and her team of volunteers at 60 million girls champion for all girls to be able to access quality education. “When a girl is educated, she not only helps herself, but she can help her entire community,” says Wanda.
60 million girls is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to the advancement of girls’ education. Wanda has plans to take the organization to innovative levels, with hopes to integrate climate action and content about environmental sustainability into the Mobile Learning Labs for girls’ education.
We are excited to be partnering with 60 million girls to advance the impact of the SBIS project and we look forward to what is to come.
Read more about the work we do to advance gender equality.