Are Girls the Solution to Overpopulation?
Experts estimate that the Earth has the capacity to support approximately 4 billion people, however we’ve already surpassed that number and likely to reach over 9 billion by 2040. Resources are growing scarce and the cycle of poverty only continues. Perhaps one of the best solutions to overpopulation can be found in young girls. If provided with a safe environment and an education, girls truly do have the power to change the world. Research shows that girls who stay in school are more likely to marry later in life and have fewer children. Even more, educated mothers are more likely to send their own children to school, which helps break the cycle of poverty even further. Read more here.
Britain Pulls Funding for Girls Education Program in South Sudan
South Sudan is perhaps the worst place to be a female. Not only does the new country have the highest maternal mortality rate, but it also have the lowest female literacy rates. Girls in South Sudan are therefore more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than complete primary education. While conflict has plagued the region for years, which limits educational and economical opportunities for women, many countries have contributed funds to help the nation rebuild. However, Britain recently pulled back development funding in response to South Sudan’s halt of oil production. The withdrawal will limit funding to Britain’s program to educate girls. Meanwhile the United States is moving forward with their development plan. Read the whole story here.
Africa’s First Female Presidents Determined to Help Women
The first two female presidents in Africa are joining forces in an effort to make life better for girls and women on the continent. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Malawian President Joyce Banda recently pledged to work together to accelerate their efforts to empower girls and women. Both women govern countries with significant development issues, yet they’re confident about the future. Read it all here.
LRA Commander Captured
Ceasar Achellam, a senior commander in the Lord’s Resistance Army, was recently captured by the Ugandan army in the Central African Republic. Joseph Kony, the group’s leader, is still wanted by the International Criminal Court for rape and murder thousands of civilians. See it here.
