Stand up with Malala

Dear Editor,

At TIFF’s Saturday screening of “He Named Me Malala,” the emotions in the room were palpable. As the audience laughed alongside Malala’s family and shed tears over her daring choice to stand up for the cause, it was clear that the room was moved by her story. I hope they are moved to action.

We need to put women and girls first. The life of an adolescent girl in the global south is exceptionally challenging; they are the most marginalized and the least supported by development efforts. Education is key in protecting, empowering, and ensuring a future for these girls.

For example, according to Plan International, for every year a girl stays in secondary school, her income increases by 15 to 25 per cent.

I am calling on Canadians to join the movement to ensure that girls everywhere have access to quality and safe education. Moreover, I am asking that the federal candidates commit to increasing programming directed at educating adolescent girls.

In the film, Malala wisely stated, “There’s a moment where you have to choose to be silent or to stand up.” That moment is now.

Erika Richter