As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8, La Salle is reinforcing its commitment to gender equality in education with the second phase of the global #1LaSalle campaign: Her Education Cannot Wait Anymore. Running from February to March 2025, this initiative aims to raise awareness and funds to break the barriers that prevent millions of girls and women from accessing education worldwide.
The Urgency of Gender Equality in Education
According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, gender equality will not be achieved until 2158—a staggering five more generations of women waiting for equal opportunities. We cannot afford to wait that long. Education is the key to accelerating this change, and La Salle is committed to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
Breaking Down Barriers
Across the world, 119 million girls are out of school due to poverty, child marriage, gender-based violence, and lack of safe educational environments (UNICEF). Through #1LaSalle initiatives, we are addressing these challenges with concrete projects:
- Fratelli Project, Maicao, Colombia: Supporting forced migrants and vulnerable indigenous groups, with a special focus on girls’ education.
- La Salle College Keesara, India: Implementing safe transportation solutions to help girls attend school without fear.
- Lasallian Women of Hope: Combating period poverty by providing menstrual health education and hygiene products.
- Kunda Dia Zayi Institute, Tumba, DR Congo: Offering scholarships and vocational training to ensure young women complete their education.
- CasArcobaleno, Naples, Italy: Providing vocational training and empowerment programs for women in one of Naples’s most vulnerable neighborhoods, Scampia.
The Impact of Investing in Girls’ Education
When girls receive an education, the effects are transformative:
- Economic Growth: Each additional year of schooling can increase a country’s GDP by 3% (UNESCO).
- Prevention of Child Marriages: Education serves as a powerful tool in delaying child marriages, as girls who stay in school are less likely to be forced into early unions.
- Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Educated women are more likely to secure quality jobs, support their families, and lift entire communities.
- Healthier Societies: Education reduces child mortality, improves maternal health, and ensures better futures for the next generations.
- More Women in STEM*: Despite progress, only 35% of STEM students and 28% of researchers worldwide are women (UNESCO, UN Women). Ensuring equal access to education can help bridge this gap.
Take Action: Support #1LaSalle
Achieving gender equality is not about a single day of awareness—it’s about continuous action.
Join us. Donate. Share. Advocate. Every effort counts in the fight for equal access to education.
