For our 16 Days of Activism series, Valerie Lolomari, one of our Trauma Ambassadors and founder of Women of Grace, has written about the importance of literacy and education for women and girls.
Content warning – please be aware that this blog mentions female genital mutilation, which some people may find triggering. Do not read unless you feel comfortable to do so.
The Importance of Literacy and Education for Women and Girls: A Gateway to Freedom and Empowerment
Education is the key to unlocking potential, particularly for women and girls. It is more than just the ability to read and write; it is the foundation upon which dreams are built, confidence is nurtured, and freedom is attained. For every girl who receives an education, her chances of living a healthier, empowered, and economically independent life increase dramatically.
Sadly, too many girls around the world are denied this basic human right. Withholding education from women and girls is not only an infringement on their rights but a tool of oppression that keeps them bound to cycles of poverty, disempowerment, and trauma. One of the most devastating ways this manifests is in harmful cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
FGM, often rooted in patriarchal traditions, is a practice inflicted on millions of girls with the belief that it preserves purity and ensures marriageability. But in reality, it strips away a girl’s bodily autonomy, inflicts lifelong physical and psychological trauma, and often silences her voice before she even gets the chance to know her worth. This practice, alongside the denial of education, reinforces gender inequality and hinders the empowerment of women.
Education becomes a weapon of resistance against such injustices. When women and girls are educated, they are more likely to speak out against harmful practices like FGM, advocate for their rights, and raise their children with an awareness of the dangers of gender-based violence. Literacy empowers them to access information, learn about their rights, and be part of the decision-making processes in their communities.
To withhold education is to withhold the tools of survival and the ability to break free from cycles of trauma. Without education, many survivors of FGM may feel trapped, unable to process their trauma or seek the help they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
We must ensure that girls everywhere have access to quality education—not just as a means to a better future, but as a powerful stand against practices like FGM that rob them of their dignity. By educating a girl, we empower a generation of women who will stand stronger, speak louder, and live freely.
Let us break the cycle of ignorance and oppression by giving women and girls the education they deserve, ensuring they are equipped to lead full, empowered, and meaningful lives.
Valerie Lolomari
Trauma Ambassador
If you would like to access support around any of the issues mentioned in this blog, or to share your own lived experience, give the Healthwatch Essex Information & Guidance Service a call on 0300 500 1895, email [email protected] or text/WhatsApp on 07712 395398.
If you would like to find out more about the Trauma Ambassador Group and our work, you can find out more here.