Recently I read an uplifting article about Beatrice Biira, the real-life subject of the best-selling book Beatrice’s Goat. After a donated goat from Heifer International allowed her family to raise funds to send her to school, Biira excelled as a student and won scholarships to attend high school and college in the United States. She just graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in international development and gender studies and will be attending the Clinton School of Public Service in Arkansas to receive her master’s degree.
After she completes her education, Biira plans to return home to Uganda to help women earn and manage money more effectively. She has seen that cash is controlled by men in her village and knows how often they waste money on drinks rather than feeding and educating their children. The chance to attend school has changed her life and may affect the lives of everyone in her village if she succeeds in improving women’s earning abilities.
Biira’s employment goals highlight the importance of women’s economic security. The Grameen Bank, which gives microcredits (loans under $100) to the rural poor in developing countries, understands this principle too. Today there are more than 6.6 million borrowers, and 97 percent are women. Not only do the loans help break the poverty cycle by allowing women to create a livelihood for themselves and their families, but the microcredit system is credited with reducing domestic violence by providing women with economic independence.
Like Biira and the Grameen Bank, AAUW understands the importance of breaking through educational and economic barriers for women. Some of the ways AAUW works to break these barriers is by funding $4 million in scholarships, partnering with international organizations, producing research reports, and supporting legislation to educate girls and help women achieve economic security. Learn how you can help.
What are some ways you’re working to increase women’s educational and economic opportunities? Do you know of other success stories like Biira’s?
