Typically, many American students complain about and despise going to school. These students receive education on a day to day basis, usually in air conditioned, or heated classrooms. They do not have to worry about their safety or whether or not they will be able to return to school the next day, as some are forced to do. People living in America are often oblivious to the daily struggles females living in other countries have to face in order to go to school.

We live in a place where all people, regardless of who they are and where they come from, can receive an education. However, we often fail to realize that there are a number of places in the world where only males are permitted to receive an education.  According to UNESCO, an organization dedicated to spreading peace, thirty-one million primary school girls around the world are not yet enrolled in school, and seventeen million girls will never go to school at all. This is the sad reality that many girls currently live in, where they are unable to obtain the basic human right of education. According to ABC News, two- thirds of the illiterate adults of the world are women. I think it is very unfortunate to see so many women who are not educated.

Having females go to school not only profits girls and women, but society at large.  According to UNESCO “If all women had a secondary education, child deaths would be cut in half, saving 3 million lives.” If these women had received a secondary education, then it would have been easier for them to provide an income for their families, and thus be able to afford a living and basic necessities. Educating females also benefits the economy as it is stated in the CIA World Factbook “If India enrolled 1% more girls in secondary school, its GDP would rise by $5.5 billion.” ABC News has also stated that a child born to a mother who is educated, is more likely to survive past the age of 5 when compared to mothers who cannot read and write. Females who receive an education have the ability to benefit the economy, the health of children, and the society.

I believe it is very important to educate females. Education is not a luxury, but a necessity that everyone should have access to.  I believe that education empowers females, and makes them feel more involved in society. Education also motivates women to overcome gender inequality, which leads to a more fair and just environment. Females who are educated are more aware of what their rights are and how they can contribute to the society without the fear of being shunned away. I believe that the education of females will ultimately enhance their self-esteem which enables them to reach heights they could never have imagined before.  Receiving an education also helps them obtain the freedom of making important decisions, which restores their sense of independence. Female education changes society for the better, and gives many girls and women opportunities they would never have imagined.

Living in America, I hope that the words “I hate school” can be changed to a more positive statement, because whoever you are, wherever you live, you are one of the many fortunate people who have the ability to read and write and receive an education.