In September 1995, during the fourth world conference dedicated to women in China, the then UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, told a packed auditorium: “There is no instrument of development more effective than the empowerment of women ( …). Women’s literacy is a key factor in improving health, nutrition and education in the family. As well as the empowerment of women to participate in decision-making in society”.
In one of the most important excerpts from the book To Educate Feminist Children, the author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie highlights the power of reading, books, information in the education of the daughter of the friend to whom the author directs the manifesto. “Books will help you understand and question the world. They will help her express herself and they will help her in whatever she wants to be.” There are no paths to empowerment, emancipation, independence, without education.
The power that a well-informed woman has in favor of herself, her children and the community is undeniable. This month, let us celebrate the victories, but let us not forget that there is still much to be achieved. We are still victims of countless violence, even unbelievable, especially in poor countries, in tribal and patriarchal communities. And even so-called more evolved societies still do not know how to deal well with women. An example is women who occupy high corporate and public representation positions, but who continue to try to be the mother they need to be and the despised housewife.
The world still does not know how to welcome and reconcile conquered functions and such innate rights. Not to mention the routine humiliations and subservience more common in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and West Asia. It is necessary to take care of girls, women and mothers, and ensure that they live fully what is theirs nature. Especially if it’s part of your choices.
Women in the fight for education
That is why the decision of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), in February of this year, on pregnant women and mothers of children up to 12 years old who are in provisional detention (who have not been convicted) came to us with such joy. The right to leave jail and remain under house arrest until her case is judged can give a mother who, chance, has been wrong in front of society, a great chance. In other words, an opportunity not only to spare the children from her absence, but to try to build another story on their side for themselves and their children. The decision represents hope. It is giving absolute priority to children and recognizing the irreplaceable role of the mother. Otherwise, violations of the rights of pregnant women, parturients and mothers also violate the rights of children.
Thus, if we take up the phrase of educator Ziauddin, it is necessary to cherish equality in speeches to children, under penalty of a whole that is not renewed for peace. And understand that if we take care of girls and guarantee them a quality education, we also take care of the conscience of women and mothers who know their rights and fight for them. After all, that means fighting for children and families. That means fighting and caring for everyone. At the end of the talk, Ziauddin records a question that many ask him: What is it about the guidance he gave Malala that made her so brave, fearless and secure? He answers. “Don’t ask me what I did, ask me what I didn’t do. I didn’t clip your wings. It was just that.”
