US to invest Rs7.3 billion to increase number of female teachers

Islamabad

United States government plans to invest Rs7.3 billion, in the coming years, to support the Government of Pakistan’s aim to increase the number of female teachers and make certain that girls’ schools have boundary walls and other facilities to ensure girls’ safety and access to school.

This was stated by the United States Ambassador David Hale while addressing an event titled ‘Walk in Peace-Books in Hands’ organised by USAID’s Gender Equity Programme of Aurat Foundation to commemorate 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.

US Ambassador said these investments would help enable more than 200,000 adolescent girls across Pakistan to get the education they deserve, benefitting everyone in their communities. Besides that, he said that 100 girls’ schools reopened in Swat earlier this year reconstructed with help from USAID.

Talking about the significance of 16 Days of Activism, he said these days bring global attention to violence and broad-ranging discrimination against women and girls. “Preventing and responding to gender-based violence is a cornerstone of the US Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and promoting gender equality and the enablement of women and girls because peace and prosperity depend on protecting and advancing the rights of women and girls.”

He said that education is crucial to lifting people out of poverty, improving living standards and quality of life and reducing health and safety risks. “But for many girls and women around the world, including Pakistan, it is difficult to access education and do so safely,” he said.

He said that increasing gender equality leads to stronger societies and reduced conflict. “When women and men are equally enabled as political and social actors, governments become more representative and effective. Like any society, Pakistan will gain prosperity, dynamism, and resilience as its women gain equal status and treatment, and an equal role, with men,” he further said.

He highlighted the fact that globally, girls with secondary schooling are less likely to become child brides.  Women with greater levels of education are more likely to find jobs, own and operate farms or businesses, and earn greater income. Countries that invest well in girls’ education have lower maternal and infant deaths, lower rates of HIV and AIDS, and better childhood nutrition. “The facts speak for themselves:  the more educated a society’s women, the better off the society.”

While talking to media, USAID Mission Director John Groarke said GEP is one of USAID’s several programs focused on improving status of women in Pakistan. “Even after it ends in 2017, women will remain important part USAID future programmes.”

In his opening remarks, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Naeem Mirza introduced the background of ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence’ and talked about Mirabal Sisters who were brutally murdered on November 25, 1960 for opposing dictatorship in Dominican republic.

He said that human rights are rights issue for developed countries but for Pakistan, it is a matter of survival. He said in entire human history, not a single man has been killed in the name of gender. He stressed for effective implementation of women related laws.