Educate the Women and You Change the World: Investing in the Education of Women Is the Best Investment in a Country’s Growth and Development

Educate the Women and You Change the World:  Investing in the Education of Women is the Best Investment in a Country’s Growth and Development

Leah Witcher Jackson, Associate Dean and Professor of Law, Baylor University

Question 1:         What is the author’s thesis?  The major point she is trying to make?  (1 or 2 paragraphs)

Answer:

        The author’s thesis is best identified in the title of her article.  She is writing about what she perceives is the best investment in the world; namely, investing in the education of women.  The education of women, however, is only part of two other greater goals namely, gender equality and women empowerment.  According to the author, studies have shown that there is a correlation between gender equality and the level of development of countries.  This is because women with more control over their resources will spend more money on basic living needs (e.g. food, health) and education.  Investing on the education of women would redound to having more positive effects on not only the women but also her children and family including reduction in female fertility rates, lower infant and child mortality rates, lower maternal mortality rates, increase in women’s labor force participation and the fostering of investment in children.

The author explains that gender equality can best be achieved through educating women by removing barriers to education thereby providing women with equal opportunities with men for their advancement in the economic as well as in the social level.  She believes in investing in women because they constitute half of the human resources with knowledge, talents and skills which when utilized, would result to greater productivity of a country’s workforce.  She also believes that our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity to reach their full potential.  

Gender equality connotes the existence, practice  and enjoyment of women’s rights which, unfortunately, is lacking if not totally absent in many Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries where women are discriminated upon, repressed, treated inhumanely and even killed for infractions not deserving of such punishment in other countries.  Such condition has caught the attention of many international organizations including the United Nations which are intent on monitoring the status of women in different countries of the world, raising awareness of women’s issues globally, giving recommendations and promoting women’s rights by trying to change discriminatory legislation.

Question 2:        What are the major assumptions the author makes (expect you to accept) in arguing that thesis?

Answer:

The major assumptions the author makes in arguing said thesis are the following:

1. Focusing on women and girls is the most effective way to fight global poverty and extremism.
2. Men often spend money on themselves; women spend it on the family.

Question 3:         What are the implications for research or practice if the author’s thesis and underlying assumptions are valid and true?  

Answer:

              If the author’s thesis and underlying assumptions are valid and true, then they would serve as the basis or rationale behind researches that need to be undertaken about the subject under study.  Researcher’s efforts would not be futile because their work is directed towards the right path given the fact that they are basing their study on a correct thesis or assumptions.

Question 4:          What are some important or useful concepts that the author presents?  

Answer:

        Some important or useful concepts that the author presents are the following:

1. There is a significant correlation between gender equality and the level of economic and social development of a country.
2. Investments in women has numerous positive effects on not only the women but also her children and family.
3. At the heart of achieving gender equality is the education of girls and women.
4. Focusing on women and girls is the most effective way to fight global poverty and extremism.
5. Economic success depends on the development and effective utilization of the skills, education and productivity of all its workforce.
6. Countries that repress women also tend to be backward economically, and are more likely to be failed states.
7. Gender inequities influence the way members of the family spend their time and resources.
8. A reduction in the male-female employment gap has been an important driver of the economic growth over the last decade.
9. To maximize its competitiveness and developmental potential, countries must work to provide women with the same rights, responsibilities and opportunities as men.
10. Creating gender equality helps create a fair society, raises economic productivity, and helps advance other development goals.
11. Female education has a larger impact on economic growth than male education.
12. Gender-based differences in behavior that are systematic and widespread can influence macroeconomic variables, such as aggregate consumption, savings, investment and risk-taking behavior.
13. More women serving in leadership roles not only contribute to the creativity that comes with diversifying that minds that are addressing the issues, but it can also improve the bottom line of an endeavor.
14. Gender equality cannot occur without a legal system that is fair and just to women and a government that will enforce the laws designed to protect and empower women.

Question 5:           Critically reflect on and assess the article as a whole.  What are its strengths and weaknesses?

Answer:

        These are the strengths of the article:

1.    The article is backed up with sufficient data.
2.     The author makes use of examples and statistical data to prove her point.
3.     The author’s presentation of facts is well-organized.
4.     The  study  has  a wide scope as it includes researches done about women in Asia, Africa,    

     Europe, and the United States.

1.      The author makes use of logical assumptions and conclusion.

     These are the weaknesses of the article:

1.     More specific and concrete examples should have been given so as to strengthen the

           author’s stand.

1.     A close link between the cultural practices of a people and the current status of    

           inequality between men and women should have been established.