Globally, 130 million girls ages 6 to 17 are out of school. Child marriage, pregnancy, family pressures, violence and harassment, and poverty keep girls from reaching their potential. We must address the critical barriers that keep girls out of the classroom.
ALL children deserve a chance to live life in all its fullness, and education is a big part of that. As people of faith, we must address the critical barriers that keep girls out of the classroom.
When you invest in a girl, the dividends are immeasurable. Educated girls grow into women who are empowered to care for themselves, their families, and their communities. Evidence shows that enrolling and keeping girls in school gives them the potential to earn better wages, raise healthier and more educated children, and have a voice in their community. This results in stronger economies, more peaceful nations, and more equitable systems.
- When a girl in the developing world receives 7 years of education, she marries 4 years later and has fewer children.
- Women make up more than two-thirds of the world's 796 million illiterate people.
- If all girls went to school for 12 years, low- and middle-income countries could add up to $92 billion per year to their economies.
The timing of this bill couldn’t be more important, with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting nearly 91 percent of the world’s student population. 11 million girls globally may not return to school because of COVID-19 related disruptions to education. It will help fight poverty and promote global stability. Please ask your elected official to cosponsor the Keeping Girls in School Act in the 117th Congress.
This act has been introduced in the House and Senate, but still needs to be passed! Add your voice to help us get there, and check back here for updates.
House: H.R.4134
Date Introduced: 06/24/2021
Number of Cosponsors: 71
Date Passed: --
Senate: S.2276
Date Introduced: 06/24/2021
Number of Cosponsors: 4
Date Passed: --
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(Last Updated 3/23/22)