Celebrating International Day of the Girl by Promoting Gender Equity in Childhood Education

 “Empowerment of and investment in girls are key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence and in promoting and protecting the full and effective enjoyment of their human rights” -United Nations Resolution 66/170

Just two years ago, the UN declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to raise awareness about all issues concerning gender inequality around the world. "This is a day when activist groups come together under the same goal to highlight, discuss, and take action to advance rights and opportunities for girls everywhere," said the official U.S. Web site created to promote this day.

What the Millennium Development Goals Achieved

One of the most important ways to uphold the rights of girls is to promote universal childhood education, an area where we saw some improvement between 1990 and 2015. According to Goal 2 of the Millennium Development Goals, the literacy rate has improved globally from 83 percent to 91 percent between 1990 and 2015, and the gap between women and men has narrowed.

That is only modest progress, and significantly more remains to be done in the area of ensuring that all girls around the world are able to have access to primary and secondary education. Two big obstacles remain in the way: poverty and war/conflict. According to the MDGs, In the developing regions, children in the poorest households are four times as likely to be out of school as those in the richest households. In countries affected by conflict, the proportion of out-of-school children increased from 30 percent in 1999 to 36 percent in 2012.

A third obstacle is cultural attitudes.  One of the biggest promoters of universal childhood education is Malala Yousafza, who was shot and almost killed by Taliban militants in Pakistan on her way home from school. Yet,  her survival only made her a greater global advocate for universal education.



Following Through with the Global Goals for Sustainable Development

The Global Goals for Sustainable Development, which replaced the MDGs in 2015, continue to place a high priority on childhood education for all girls and boys around the world. Goal 4 (Quality Education) states some important targets to be achieved by 2030.

• Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes
• Ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education
• Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations

CAREs Atlanta Celebration (Photo: Kristi York Wooten)

Beyond Education
While promoting education remains the most important way to uphold the rights of girls around the world, Goal 5 (Gender Equality) of the Global Goals also lists some important steps that individual countries and the global community must promote between now and 2015.

• End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
• Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
• Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

CARE, Catholic Relief Services and other non-governmental organizations put together special activities to celebrate International Day of the Girl. CARE organized its big celebration in Atlanta, The CARE Walk for Lasting Change, on Saturday, October 10. The event began with musical entertainment and activities at the Outdoor Theater in Atlanta’s Historic Old 4th Ward Park, followed by a rally and a one-mile walk on the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail. 

Oxfam at UNM Invites You to Celebrate International Womens Day

We now live in a world where just 62 individuals have as much wealth as the 3.6 billion poorest people. Such runaway inequality is bad for all of us, but it’s the poorest among us who suffer the most.

New Mexico Oxfam Action Corps and Oxfam at UNM invite you to celebrate the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing attention on the areas requiring further action.

Saturday, March 5

2:30pm- 4:00 pm 

Student Union Building Atrium 

University of New Mexico 

For more information, contact New Mexico Oxfam Action Corps (newmexico@oxfamactioncorps.org)

Oxfam America Invites You to Send an ECard

Here is another way to commemorate International Womens Day,. Oxfam America invites you celebrate this occasion by sending an eCard to friends and family, spreading the word on social media, or honoring a woman who is making a difference in your community. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sending a powerful message about the role of women as a force for change. 

Pax Christi Advent Reflection for International Human Rights Day

Isaiah 41:13-20 | Matthew 11:11-15 “The afflicted and the needy seek water in vain,their tongues are parched with thirst.” (Is 41:17)

Today when we celebrate International Human Rights Day, there are people afflicted and needy who are looking for water. The scarcity of water is one of the main problems in our world and it has gotten progressively worse in recent years. An important reason for this problem with water is greed. Some of us live as if we own natural resources, but the reality is that God created everything for all people.

Our concern must lead us to use natural resources in a sustainable way. Our concern must lead us to share, protect and save the sources of water. We need water to live; most of the body is made of water. Having access to drinkable water is a human right. Taking care of God’s creation is a human duty!  -Nelson Araque, Catholic Climate Ambassador  (via Pax Christi)

St Felix Pantry in Rio Rancho Invites You to Annual International Festival on Oct 25

St. Felix Pantry invites you to its annual international festival, which the organization has hosted for the past 20 years. Enjoy good music, eat delicious cuisine and help St. Felix raise funds for its much-needed services to the community. The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, Noon to 4:00 p.m. at St. Pius X High School, 5301 St Josephs Dr NW, Albuquerque (map).

To purchase advance ($15) tickets, click on this page. On the right side, locate the Purchase Tickets button, select the ticket quantity, then complete your purchase. The admission fee on the day of the event is $20. Children under 4 are free in all instances.

“The International Festival is going to be a time to memorialize the legacy of the Felician Sisters and the variety of cultures that make up New Mexico’s heritage as the land of enchantment," said Dr. Jack Bunting, president of St. Felix Pantry. "Please come and join us in a joyful celebration of culture, music and entertainment in support of the St. Felix Pantry."

For more information, contact Manuel Casias (mcasias@stfelixpantry.org) or 505-270-1366.

Observing International Peace Day

Although it may seem hopelessly distant, the dream of peace pulses in the lives of people everywhere.  UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Each year the United Nations and member nations observe International Day of Peace on the 21st of September. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.

"Non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups and corporations all have a role to play in fostering social progress, protecting the environment and creating a more just, stable and peaceful world. The value of this collaboration is our theme for the Day: “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All,” said the UN.

Here are excerpts from a speech by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to commemorate this years International Day of Peace, which is held in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of the UN.

"I call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and observe a global ceasefire. To them I say: stop the killings and the destruction, and create space for lasting peace. Although it may seem hopelessly distant, the dream of peace pulses in the lives of people everywhere....

We live at a moment of peril – but this is also an era of great promise. In a matter of days, leaders from across the globe will gather at the United Nations to adopt the 2030 agenda, our 15-year plan to achieve sustainable development. This is fundamental to ushering in a life of dignity for all, where poverty is history and peace is paramount.

On the International Day, as we mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, let us seize the opportunity achieve the Organization’s founding purpose: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war."   Read full address