Education and Development reflections

Today was the first day of the CSW, and I am definitely taking advantage of every moment. I feel so lucky to be a part of this event, having studied the CSW and Beijing Platform in my international development studies, and even more, I am so grateful to WILPF for choosing me to be a part of this powerful week.

I have lived in many places, but one of the most interesting was Saudi Arabia. I spent a year teaching the first generation of women to attend higher education at the world’s largest all-female university, and while equality for women and basic human rights for women are still largely in their infancy, things are progressing in the ultra conservative nation. As a result of that experience, and my more fundamental passion for education and youth development, I attended an event today hosted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United States Federation for Middle East Peace: Ensure Equal Access to Education and Training for Girls and Women.

Most of the panel was nothing new: education for girls is particularly important in Muslim countries, but competes with a myriad of other challenges, like gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, early marriage, women in peace building, etc. However, teaching tolerance within all members of society and raising girls to have self-esteem are essential building blocks for these nations that is not necessarily being disseminated to the populace, especially in more traditional communities.

Having female role models is one way to build confidence within girls, but another way is through sport. The panel had two World-Champion gymnasts (twins, actually!) to talk about the benefits that sports have on girls. This tried and true method of youth development is often overlooked amongst development practitioners, but results from sports programs on adolescents can be remarkable. Youth are literally our future, and investing in their social development is key. Sport is one way to build confidence, leadership skills, teamwork, and problem solving strategies. Unfortunately in places like Saudi Arabia, every time sport is introduced in girls’ schools, it is almost immediately shut down by the religious police. [Note: Saudi Arabia hosted two women for the first time ever in the 2012 Olympics.]

It becomes obvious that civil society needs to play a stronger role in all countries on the behalf of women, particularly in countries with weak governance. However, the panel did not discuss how to build women’s access to education when civil society is absent as well. I know that social media is filling in many gaps in this regard and fueling the “Arab Spring” movement, awakening young people to the possibility of a better tomorrow.

-Christina Castellani