Knowledge is power knowledge is powerful and empowering, because learning about the world, the body, science, IT, math, literacy, and more can make people powerful. If men have these powers, women should have them too, says Dr. Saima Rana, CEO and Principal of GEMS World Academy – Dubai and Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education.
“Schools are there to imbibe confidence in their students,” says Dr. Rana, “to help them learn how to manage relationships such as friendship, teamwork, love, self-discipline, winning and losing, as well as cultivating taste, a sense of the awe and wonder of life, the world, and themselves, and disciplining themselves so that they can be self-starters, brave, compassionate, honest, and gritty.”
Understanding how to be physically and mentally strong and how to lead, when to listen and when to speak are all important skills. “Education opens up horizons and opportunities in a world that’s now an information society,” she says, adding that education helps learners acquire a sense of worth and belonging that serves them throughout their lives.
“Again, these are powers that boys obtain from schools, so girls should also; it’s that simple.”
A brighter future
Dr. Rana’s passion for the subject of championing girls in education stems from her observations of individuals being denied access to the very resources that would allow them to grow and fulfil their potential and reach their dreams. “When we look at the statistics, the stark truth is that girls are the largest group who are denied education,” she says, despite making up half the world’s population.
Schools and education providers
There is a huge emphasis on educators to work collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to make education accessible, equitable, and unbiased.
“Every good school understands these standards; the quality of staff and resources they require, and how to take a child from cradle to their chosen vocation,” she says. But there is more to be tackled: “Keep the lines of communication open and work to build alliances and bridges between education and the wider culture, including the political, societal, business, and cultural, so that the importance of education in all its dimensions is understood.”
Understanding biases
According to Dr. Rana, stereotypes and prejudicial thinking about women and girls is rampant and a significant barrier.
“The answer is rooted in educating boys and girls so that they understand the biases and stereotypes and how to challenge them,” she says.
“Education needs to focus on putting the facts in the hands of our students and developing values of care and grit so that they don’t turn away from or turn a blind eye to injustice, irrespective of where it is happening or to whom, and so they have the resources to challenge power and become actively participating citizens of the world.”