Commentary

American Federation of Teachers Dedicates International Women’s Day to Malala’s Courage, Bravery


AFT’s Weingarten: “We call on all governments to listen to the wise entreaty of Malala, who simply wants girls to have equal access to education, which we know is at the core of a democratic society and the basis for economic opportunity.”

WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–March 8, 2013. Statement of American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on International Women’s Day—March 8, 2013:

“We dedicate this International Women’s Day to the courage and bravery of Pakistan’s Malala Yousafzai, who has ignited the campaign to make education a fundamental right for all girls throughout the world. Girls’ full access to education is key to a productive life that also benefits families and communities. Here in the United States, public education is a fundamental right for all boys and girls, yet millions of children worldwide are not in school—57 percent of whom are girls. We call on all governments to listen to the wise entreaty of Malala, who simply wants girls to have equal access to education, which we know is at the core of a democratic society and the basis for economic opportunity.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is fitting that President Obama signed into law this week the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. This law is vital to curbing domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking. We’re gratified that the law was approved in an expanded form to include gays, lesbians and Native Americans.”

Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten

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The AFT represents 1.5 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.

Source: aft.org

 


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