Mobilizing for Children’s Rights, Supporting Local Leaders and Improving Girls’ Education

Later this month, Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi will receive the Nobel Peace Prize for their work promoting children’s rights, including the right of girls around the world to get an education. These two exemplify local leadership at its best, and serve as powerful examples of the role community-led solutions play in the complicated work of mobilizing for children’s rights.  Local leaders can rally their neighbors, embrace the nuances of local culture, and create change in a way that works for the whole community. As places around the world seek to improve girls’ education and strengthen their economies, governments, and societies, supporting and listening to local leaders, including community-based solutions to complex barriers, will be critical.

On December 12, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings hosted a discussion on how local leadership and community-based solutions can help advance girls’ education across the world. An opening panel discussed the status of girls’ education globally, highlighting where progress has been made and challenges remain, and how supporting local leaders can play a catalytic role in policy change at global, regional, and national levels. Following this, First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama gave keynote remarks on community-based solutions in girls’ education. Mrs. Obama’s address will be followed by a panel discussion featuring experts in the field on the role of community-based solutions in advancing girls’ education.

Follow the discussion on Twitter with the hashtag #GirlsEdu.