On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations, together with the ‘Girl Rising’ and ‘Haven Hill’, organized the screening of a film ‘Brave Girl Rising’ at the UN Headquarters in New York to stress the transformative power of education for girls and women. The event brought together distinguished ambassadors, representatives of UN entities, formerly refugee women, gender champions and youth, to celebrate the courage, dedication and perseverance of girls’ champions who worked to empower others to reach their full potential.

The film tells story about of Nasro, a 17-year-old girl, who strives to continue and excel in her education, despite daily challenges she is facing living in one of the largest refugee camps in the world, Dadaab.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Mrs. Isabelle Picco, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations, emphasized the power of education in changing one’s life and building a better future for all.

On behalf of UNESCO, Marie Paule Roudil, Director of UNESCO Office in New York and UNESCO Representative to the United Nations in New York, outlined that girls’ education is the most powerful driver for global transformation. It is also a fundamental human right and a matter of dignity. According to UENSCO, even one additional year of schooling can increase a woman’s earning by up to a fifth. Such economic and social benefits are felt by everyone and in countries where education is equal for both sexes, per capita income is boosted by 23 per cent.

To address these challenges, UNESCO is working with the international community so that girls can benefit from 12 years of basic free education, even if they are in vulnerable situations as refugee camps. Her education, our future is the new UNESCO global initiative that will accelerate action for girls’ and women’s education by leveraging political and financial commitments, as well as leadership for women and girls.

Following the screening, the panel discussion highlighted the voices of formerly refugee women, Sandra Uwiringiyimana and Nargis Bigzad. “Education was the only stable life I had in Congo and I wanted it back. Taking away my classroom was taking away my identity”, said Sandra Uwiringiyimana.