Today is the day for girls and the girl effect which is a drive to educate girls in developing countries where they are clearly disadvantaged(major understatement). There is more infant mortality among girls, they are less likely to receive an education. They are more likely to be married off young and 5 times more likely to die in childbirth than women 20-24. It's time to balance the inequities. Statistics show us how worthy and worthwhile this cause is and also what benefits accrue from investing in girls and their education.
Women invest 90% of earning back into their families while men only invest 30-40% yet only 2 cents in every international aid dollar goes to girls.
There are many more harrowing facts at http://www.girleffect.org
Many of the people reading this are likely women who are the first or second generation in their families to have received a college education and are independent women professional women. Personally I benefited from the free education that was introduced in Ireland as late as the 1960's and then later the opportunity and privilege of a college education. I am so grateful for the opportunities this has afforded me, owning my own businesses, the experiences, the travel, the people I have met along the way. Many generations of Irish before me emigrated and were labourers. Imagine how our life would be without even primary education, not being able to read or write.
I truly believe education changes everything. It opens us our minds and our worlds. With new ideas we can begin to see the world a little differently. We begin to question things. We may choose to do things the same as before or we may see that we can do things a little differently. We may also learn we are more alike than different and wouldn't that change everything.
Shashen gives part of its proceeds to educate girls in India as part of our belief in circular giving. Today we will be give the 100% of all profits for all sales to the girl effect. So gift yourself a piece of beautiful jewellery today, benefit from working with the wonderful energies of the gemstones and most importantly help educate these girls.
