GENEVA: The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to Geneva, in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain to Geneva, the QatarDebate Center, and the Geneva Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, organised a side event on 'Never Discriminating: Education for the Empowerment of Women and Girls', on the sidelines of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
In her opening remarks, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to Geneva HEDrHind Abdulrahman Al Muftah emphasized that education is a fundamental and pivotal human right, enabling individuals to develop all necessary skills and providing a platform through which to claim, enjoy, and protect other rights.
She explained that education represents a fundamental tool for change for women and girls, noting that it provides them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively participate in society, improve their health and living conditions, and contribute to economic development.
She explained that women's empowerment is directly linked to education, noting that it opens doors to employment for them, enhances their ability to make sound health decisions, participate in public life and decision-making, and defend their rights and interests.
The Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to Geneva expressed her concern over the shocking global figures that reflect the large gap in educational opportunities between girls and boys, noting that only 66% of countries have achieved equality in primary education, 45% in intermediate education, and only 25% in secondary education.
She renewed the call for immediate action to accelerate international efforts to enhance women's and girls' enjoyment of all human rights, foremost among them the right to quality, full, effective, and unrestricted education.
She affirmed that the State of Qatar is one of the most prominent supporters of the right to education, having given it top priority at both the national and international levels, pointing to prominent initiatives it has spearheaded, including UN General Assembly Resolution 74/275, which declared the International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
She added that the State of Qatar was among the first countries to sign the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015, affirming its continued commitment to protecting education, particularly in conflict and crisis zones.
She noted that Qatar's educational efforts are not limited to the most accessible groups, but extend to include the most vulnerable groups, such as children in emergency and conflict situations.
The Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to Geneva commended the pioneering role played by the Education Above All Foundation, noting that its 'Educate a Child'program has successfully implemented projects in 50 countries in cooperation with 82 partners, and has enabled the enrollment of more than 19 million children deprived of education.
During the discussion sessions, which were attended by more than 70 officials representing diplomatic missions, relevant international and regional organizations, and civil society organizations concerned with education, family, and development, the speakers emphasized that education is not just a basic right, but a true lever for change, particularly for girls and women, as it opens doors of opportunity, preserves their dignity, and enables them to fully participate in society.
