Education is a very important way to help in the advancement of women. It also has a positive effect on their children, and even the community as a whole. Studies from the UN, advocacy organizations, and educational foundations prove that simple and basic education of women can make this world a better place. Literacy rates, economic stability, family stability, poverty, etc. can all be changed with basic educational initiatives.

What It Means for Women

In many areas of the world, women are drastically less likely to be educated than their male counterparts. For many of these women, this leaves them unable to achieve economic independence. They may find themselves having to work dangerous jobs to care for themselves and their families, or they may spend their whole lives depending on someone else economically.

Even basic education can create more economic opportunities for women. Studies also show that women who are less educated are more likely to get pregnant at an early age. Thus, education can change the number of young pregnancies in developing countries.

What It Means for Their Children

For the children of educated women, life can be drastically different than in previous generations. Firstly, studies show that better-educated women are more likely to use contraceptives. When pregnancy is delayed, children are more likely to be born into a more stable family environment. Secondly, women who are better educated may also encourage their children to better themselves by seeking further education of their own. Lastly, having mothers who can help provide economically and financially can go a long way in helping to prevent the cycle of poverty in many developing countries.

What It Means for the Community

When education leads to the advancement of women, the whole community benefits. Being economically independent via education gives women the chance to give back to their own communities financially. As a result, living standards within the communities may be boosted. People in the communities may have more choices about where they can work and what they choose as a career. Educating women can also help to overturn deeply rooted biases within the community. Empowered women are more likely to hold public offices, start their own organizations within the community, and to give back to their people in truly meaningful ways.

Empowering women through education has a multi-faceted effect on the well-being of the community, impacting the individual, the family, and society as a whole. By equipping women to be active members of the economic system, we can make great strides toward eradicating poverty and creating a better life for both the present and future generations.