Topic: Access to Education for Girls
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Kate Ruehrdanz
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Germany position papers GLIMUN 2012 committees
The great importance of education for girls cannot be understated. Every additional year spent at school can mean a twenty percent increase in the girl’s future income. Furthermore, better education means better protection from HIV/AIDS. Education is a human right, and absolutely essential for sustainable human development. It is guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and specifically to girls in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the CEDAW.
The international community has pledged to eliminate gender disparities in education. Germany is working to actualize these internationally agreed goals. The promotion of education for women and girls is a special priority of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the BMZ. In addition, Germany is a large contributor to the World Bank’s Fast Track Initiative (FTI), the goal of which is achieving universal primary education. An important part of the FTI is eliminating gender disparities in education.
Certain legal and political reforms must take place in order for this to work. In order for Germany to partner with a country, this is always a requirement. Similarly, Germany finds it necessary to eliminate discriminatory practices such as forcing pregnant girls to leave school. Additionally, there are a variety of measures which can encourage girls to attend school: more female teachers, equipping schools in accordance with girls' needs, and more appropriate teaching methods and curricula. Though not a top priority, these must be taken into account.
The Federal Republic of Germany encourages an approach witch partners with NGOs and the underprivileged nations in question in order to ensure that girls receive access to quality education. With a high level of international cooperation and support, the goal of universal equal education is attainable.
