Taking action for girls' education
On International Women’s Day 2025, we are taking decisive action to enhance equality of access to quality education for girls from poor, underserved communities. By welcoming more girls into our schools, we are giving them the opportunity to learn about their rights, how to use their voices to participate in society, and how to be advocates for women’s rights in their communities.
Empowering young women
In Tanzania, Sister Abigail talks about the urgent need to use girls’ education to empower them and teach them about their rights as women. In more traditional societies, and especially in customary law in Tanzania, women are not afforded the same rights as men. Education is still prioritised for boys over girls, and girls are conditioned from a young age to do domestic work within their families, and are compelled to marry young. This has a profound effect on society, holding back women from entering the workforce, earning their own income, and being able to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
Teaching girls about their value
By providing these girls with academic and vocational education and holding mock elections at school, the girls learn about participating in public life. The school elections teach them that they can be leaders and use their voice by casting their vote on issues that impact them. They are empowered with knowledge and confidence to be advocates in their families and communities for women’s rights. Most importantly, at school the girls are taught that they deserve respect. They learn that they have value in many areas of life and that they can share their value with others.
See how girls' lives are being transformed through education
Philippines
Malou’s Story
We celebrate the resilience and achievements of all the graduates at our schools worldwide and for International Women’s Day we reflect particularly on the achievements of the women who have graduated from the Sisters of Mary schools. Women like Malou.
Tanzania
Mercedes’ Story
Mercedes comes from a poor family near Dar es Salaam. After her father’s death, her mother remarried but her step father is violent and abused the family. Mercedes dreams of becoming a doctor to help people like her mother.
Kisarawe Girlstown
Happiness’s Story
Happiness was one of the first young girls to join the Sisters of Mary school in Kisarawe and she has thrived in her time at the school.
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Easter at the schools is a wonderful time, see how your generosity makes life better for our children.