Description

One of the first steps of creating change is to first become aware and educated on an existing issue. However, change requires action. In this lesson you will further reflect on the actions and organizations already in place and will apply their learning to develop their own plan or initiative for the furthering of female empowerment on a global scale. LESSON: 1) Read Because I am a Girl - The State of the World’s Girls 2009 - Girls in the Global Economy: Adding it All Up 2) In pairs, discuss the last two pages (p.11-12) of the document which shift the focus from the problem to the solution. You have 10 minutes to do so. 3) Watch both TED-talk videos which both address gender oppression and share steps that are believed to improve the empowerment of girls and women. VIDEOS: Sheryl WuDunn: Our century's greatest injustice (18:23) “Sheryl WuDunn's book "Half the Sky" investigates the oppression of women globally. She argues that it is only when women in developing countries have equal access to education and economic opportunity that will we be using all our human resources.” Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders (15:29) “Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg looks at why a smaller percentage of women than men reach the top of their professions -- and offers 3 powerful pieces of advice to women aiming for the C-suite.”

Task

In groups of 4 or 5 reflect upon the learning that has taken place in the recent classes and how you can apply your new knowledge into action. After identifying some key factors that are involved in gender oppression and investigating organizations that are working to enhance opportunities for women and girls, the groups will work to develop their own organization/initiative that will contribute to the global effort to empower women and girls. You are encouraged to refer to the ‘A Global Charter for Investment in Girls - Ten-Point Action Plan’ found on the last page (p.12) of the ‘Because I am a Girl - The State of the World’s Girls 2009 - Girls in the Global Economy: Adding it All Up’ document. In your groups develop and outline: 1) The organizations mandate and mission statement 2) Programs (for short and long-term goals) 3) Education and Outreach activities 4) Identify potential partners to collaborate (IGOs and NGOs they have learned about and others they may have found on their own) 5) Come up with publicity campaign to inform the public about their organization