The Basic Education Coalition congratulates the United States House of Representatives for passing the Keeping Girls in School Act (H.R. 2153). The Coalition is especially thankful for the leadership of Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL), Congresswoman Susan Brooks (R-IN), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) in achieving this important milestone for adolescent girls’ education around the world.
U.S. international education assistance should aim to achieve equality at the local and systemic levels, so that all children—regardless of their gender—realize their full potential and graduate ready to lead their nations towards economic and social stability.
Evidence shows that enrolling and keeping girls in school can positively impact their health, economic prosperity, and the security of their communities and countries. Unfortunately, barriers such as child marriage, harassment and violence in schools, and social discrimination frequently keep girls from benefiting from long-term, quality education.
International education programs authorized under this Act will prioritize delivering tangible results and improvements in the lives of adolescent girls by addressing the specific barriers that adolescent girls face in continuing their education. H.R. 2153 recognizes that efforts to keep girls in school and overcome barriers to their education requires a holistic approach, with attention to rights, quality of education, health, safety, and harmful practices.
The Basic Education Coalition looks forward to working with Senator Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator Murkowski (R-AK) in 2020 to pass this important piece of legislation in the U.S. Senate and ultimately have it signed into law.
The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading U.S.-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.