Helen Clark: Address to G20 Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment

Education: A Game-Changing Pathway to Women’s Empowerment

Introduction

Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I thank the Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs of India for her very kind invitation to me to attend this meeting and contribute to this session on “Education: a game-changing pathway to women’s empowerment”. I am honoured to do so as Chair of the Board of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, of which India is a major and greatly valued member and supporter.

The Importance of Education

Education has the power to transform lives and open up opportunities. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize the significance of education for all and aim to achieve completion of primary and secondary education for all children by 2030 (SDG 4). Lifelong learning opportunities are also promoted under this goal.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to achieving the education SDG. Many children, especially young girls, have missed out on schooling due to lockdowns and family impoverishment. UNESCO estimated that eleven million girls may never return to school after the lockdowns. This not only hinders their educational progress but also increases the risks of early marriage and health complications associated with young pregnancies.

A research review conducted by PMNCH and partners highlights the economic costs of not reaching the education targets of SDG 4. Low-income countries could experience a nine per cent loss in GDP, while lower middle-income countries could face a 6.24 per cent loss. This emphasizes the urgent need to invest in education and ensure inclusivity, especially for girls and women.

Investing in Education

It is crucial to step up investments in education to unlock the full potential of girls and women. Additionally, efforts should be made to provide “second chance” education for those who have missed out on schooling. In New Zealand, initiatives such as allowing teen parents to finish secondary schooling and providing literacy programs in workplaces and prisons have proven effective in addressing educational gaps.

Comprehensive sexuality education is also essential in empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. UNESCO and other UN partners have provided guidelines and pathways for this education. Access to sexual and reproductive health services is equally important, as demonstrated by the impact of HIV/AIDS on adolescent girls and young women in southern Africa.

Economic Benefits of Education

The relationship between increased educational attainment and economic growth is well-documented worldwide. Investing in inclusive educational opportunities for girls and women not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the overall development of countries. Educated mothers have lower maternal mortality rates, delayed marriages, and higher incomes. Their children are less likely to be malnourished and more likely to receive an education.

Investing in Young People

The world currently has the largest ever adolescent and youth population, with 1.8 billion young people. Investing in this demographic can lead to a demographic dividend and significant contributions to society. PMNCH’s #1.8 Billion campaign aims to gather the priorities of young people for health and well-being, encouraging decision-makers to listen and invest in their needs.

Empowering Women in Leadership

Empowering women, including through education, is crucial for their participation in leadership roles at all levels. Gender equality in decision-making ensures diverse perspectives and better outcomes for health and well-being. India’s quota for women’s participation on local councils has led to prioritizing projects related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, improving the overall health and well-being of communities.

Conclusion

Investing in education is essential for empowering women and achieving sustainable development. The costs of not investing in education are significant, both in terms of missed opportunities and negative consequences for societies. It is our hope that the G20 meetings in India will drive global commitment to the education of girls and women, recognizing the immense benefits it brings to individuals and societies as a whole.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article emphasizes the importance of education for all, particularly for girls and women. It mentions the Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The article highlights the setbacks caused by the pandemic, such as children missing school and the potential risks faced by girls who did not return to school, such as early marriage and health risks associated with early pregnancy.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The article also addresses the importance of empowering women through education and their participation in decision-making. It mentions the need for women to be part of leadership at every level and emphasizes the positive impact of women’s participation in decision-making on health and well-being outcomes.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article briefly mentions the importance of comprehensive sexuality education and access to sexual and reproductive health services. It highlights the link between education, health outcomes, and economic empowerment for women.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.

The article emphasizes the importance of achieving completion of primary and secondary education for all children by 2030. It mentions the potential loss to GDP if the education targets of SDG 4 are not met.

Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.

The article highlights the importance of empowering women through education and their participation in decision-making. It mentions the positive impact of women’s participation on health and well-being outcomes.

Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information, and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.

The article briefly mentions the importance of comprehensive sexuality education and access to sexual and reproductive health services. It emphasizes the need for knowledge, services, and supplies to prevent life-threatening situations, such as the AIDS pandemic.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

– Number of children completing primary and secondary education: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 4.1 of ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.

– Gender parity in education: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 4.1 of ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.

– Access to lifelong learning opportunities: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 4.1 of ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.

– Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 5.5 of ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.

– Representation of women in leadership positions: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 5.5 of ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.

– Proportion of women who have received comprehensive sexuality education: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 3.7 of ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information, and education.

– Access to sexual and reproductive health services: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 3.7 of ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information, and education.

These indicators can be used to track progress and identify areas where further action is needed to achieve the targets under the relevant SDGs.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators