Author: Esther Aoko, She’s the First Programs Intern

I recently got a chance to attend one of the largest virtual convenings of young feminists, “Power Shift: #EducationShiftsPower.” More than 1,000 participants attended the event and demanded that G7 leaders shift the power and resources for girls’ education and leadership. The G7 is an inter-governmental political forum that consists of leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The pandemic interrupted a year of education, leading to the emergence of barriers that continue to keep girls from accessing education. The forum highlighted various ways girls have been left behind and the importance of a more inclusive and equal build-back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Access to education plays an important role in ensuring that girls are able to take control of their power. Girls are left in a disadvantaged position due to the fact that they are unable to get access to crucial information about their human rights. Education shifts power as it ensures that girls are not content with only being included in decision-making tables, but instead, they are able to continuously demand meaningful engagement in all aspects of decision-making.

Our governments have the power to involve girls in a meaningful way, where girls are not viewed as beneficiaries but as equal partners. That is why young activists are calling on governments to:

• Recognize that investing in girls’ education is crucial in achieving an equal COVID-19 recovery. The cuts that have been imposed on the UK's aid budget will result in 700,00 fewer girls getting an education. Therefore, aid cuts on girls’ education should be reversed.

• Prioritize the creation of safe and gender-responsive schools which will encourage equal participation and fair distribution of benefits.

• Put in place an accountability framework to track the implementation of the G7 commitments for girls' education.

• Provide young activists with adequate and flexible funding for their work and participation.

Education gives girls back our power. The power which enables us to know our human rights, make informed decisions, and challenge oppressive systems!

About Esther: Esther Aoko, 21, is a sexual and reproductive health youth advocate, feminist, community volunteer, and STF programs intern. She believes that being a champion for women is her most important role in life. She has a certificate in Data Science and Software Programming and has been invited to present her abstract papers at several conferences. Esther envisions a world where one's gender is not a barrier, and women in all their diversities can enjoy their lives free from any form of violence.