Conflict often results in the loss of livelihoods, and changes in roles for women and men. Educational needs change, and different barriers to childhood education emerge or become more evident. Structural inequalities also often intensify during periods of conflict. The lack of an enabling environment that actively promotes gender equality and equal access to opportunities, both before and during crisis, is a fundamental threat to the ability of girls and women to fulfill their rights, including the right to education. ( UNGIE: 2018 )
Building Assets will work with local groups and international organizations to examine the impact of conflict through a gender lens. Our work will inform the development of more gender-sensitive and focused policies and programs to help level the playing field, particularly through education. That’s why we’re called ‘Building Assets’ – it’s what we do.
For children who do not attend school, research suggests that bigger problems can follow. Adolescent boys who remain idle without education, or without positive mentorship, are likely to be recruited into the military. Girls are at huge risk for gender-based violence. A 2015 labour force survey revealed upward of 21,000 underage child workers in Myanmar. More than 60% were girls. ( UNICEF: 2017 )
We believe there’s an opportunity to shift girls and women from simply surviving in the IDP and refugee camps to true empowerment and livelihood. We want to enable women to build assets and reach their full potential, creating wealth and moving into leadership positions. Many of our students will enroll in secondary education and high school, and apply for scholarships, while others will enter vocational skills training workshops to start their own social businesses. We’re committed to working with our partners to achieve gender parity – equal access to boys and girls in our schools and programs.
