For everyone who knows or is related to a girl or who simply cares about social justice, this 2013 documentary Girl Rising is a ‘must see’. I recently had the opportunity to view it as part of the Sarnia Justice Film Series. Our Library Theatre was filled to near capacity by an eclectic crowd which included many parents with their children. It certainly is an intergenerational film. To view the trailer go to http://youtu.be/BJsvklXhYaE .
Girl Rising tells the stories of nine impoverished girls each from countries where education for girls is not valued. Most girls portrayed themselves. Their stories were written by a leading writer from each girl’s own country and then narrated by stars including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez. It is directed by Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins.
The film does deal with what has been described as “intense and disturbing topics including slavery, child marriage, rape and human trafficking”. These horrific realities, however, are presented in a very matter-of-fact way and nothing of a graphic nature is shown.
Here are some of the distressing facts presented:
- 80% of all human trafficking victims are female
- 33 million fewer girls than boys are in primary school worldwide
- 75% of AIDS cases in Sub-Saharan Africa are women and girls
- In one year million girls are victims of sexual violence
- Less than ½ of the girls in the developing world will ever reach secondary school.
While injustices are clearly highlighted, the film gives a message of hope. Education can make change happen, not only for girls, but also for humankind. Why? According to the documentary:
- A girl with 1 extra year of education can earn 20% more as an adult
- Because women operate the majority of farms and small businesses in the developing world. If India alone enrolled 1% more of its girls in secondary school, the GDP would rise be 5.5 billion.
- Educated girls are a powerful force for change and this kind of change happens fast.
I was impressed with the way the role of men in ensuring education for girls was gracefully handled through the straightforward, factual telling of some of the stories. One father sacrificed tremendously to ensure that his three daughters could be schooled. Another father truly inspired his daughter to create a better life for herself through education. In another instance a brother sold his possessions so his sister could avoid a forced marriage and go to school instead.
Beyond the facts presented and the wonderful cinematography, it is the ‘power of story’ that makes this documentary so compelling. Stories open our hearts and awaken our empathy, and, I would suggest, inspire us to make a difference in the world. The Girl Rising website issues the following “Call to Action”:
“We know that educating girls is the smartest investment of our time. When girls are educated, communities thrive and economies grow. Yet 62 million girls are missing from classrooms worldwide, and tremendous opportunities are lost.
Join the Girl Rising community and become a champion for girls’ education. Use your voice and talent to help us create meaningful change: spread the message, raise funds, and rally your community to advocate for policies supporting girls' education. Now is the time. Educate Girls, Change the World”
For more information go to http://girlrising.com/ .
For the story behind Girl Rising go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-horansky/the-story-behind-girl-ris_b_4967372.html .
The film can be accessed through Netflix.
There is also a viewing guide available at http://oscs-mn.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Teacher-Guide.pdf and a curriculum at http://girlrising.pearsonfoundation.org/
Ann Steadman, Associate