#19 Women's Empowerment Through Education

On International Women's Day, my reflections centered on the historical inequalities faced by women. This reality was strikingly evident during my recent visit to Oxford. Known as the city of Dreamers and renowned for its prestigious educational institutions, Oxford unveiled a narrative of delayed access to higher education for women—a testament to the enduring barriers to equality that existed in the past.

With millions of books stored, even underground in bookstores that seem like hidden treasures, Oxford symbolises the vastness of human knowledge meticulously preserved by the British community. This knowledge, available to anyone who wishes to explore it, highlights the vital importance of education in our society. Education is a powerful tool that, although not all of us have the same starting point in life, can level the playing field by offering us opportunities for growth and empowerment.

The University of Oxford, with a history stretching back 928 years to its beginnings around 1096, is a living testament to the evolution of education over the centuries. It was not until 1920, 104 years ago, that Oxford allowed women to graduate, marking a milestone in the history of higher education and the fight for gender equality. This opening symbolised a change in Oxford and was a crucial step towards democratising knowledge, emphasising that education should be accessible to all, regardless of gender.

The journey towards educational equality for women is a global narrative. In the United States, Oberlin College led the way by admitting women in 1837. Across the Atlantic, the University of London was the first in the UK to grant degrees to women in 1878. Meanwhile, in Russia, the University of Saint Petersburg began allowing women to attend lectures in the late 1870s. In France, a country known for its contributions to philosophy and human rights, women began to gain access to higher education in the mid-19th century, with the University of Paris (La Sorbonne) allowing women to enrol in 1863. These milestones, each significant in their own right, highlight a collective shift towards recognising and rectifying the educational disparities women face.

In particular, women's education has a transformative impact on their lives and future generations. However, in many corners of the world, girls are forced into early marriage, depriving them of the opportunity to learn, dream, and aspire to more. These realities underline the urgent need to ensure every girl can access education. It is a pathway to their empowerment and a step forward in the fight against gender inequality.

Women's education is fundamental, not only because educated women can improve the economic and social conditions of their communities but also because they are the educators of future generations. By investing in girls' education, we are investing in a brighter future for everyone.

On this International Women's Day, I want to thank all the women who came before me. Their tireless struggle for equality and the right to education has paved the way for many of us to pursue our dreams. Every effort counts, every story matters, and every woman has an invaluable role in this chain of change.

As we look to the future, global society will recognise the importance of educating its daughters. Not just because it is a fundamental right but because the key to humanity's progress lies in women's education.

To all my ancestors and the women of today, thank you for your hard work and for teaching us the value of fighting for what is right. Together, we continue to build a world where education is seen as a resource and the foundation of women's empowerment.