Expo 2020 Dubai: Women’s Pavilion discusses forced marriages, female education

Expo 2020 Dubai: Women’s Pavilion discusses forced marriages, female education

The Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai hosted a symposium on Monday that brought together young female activists from Egypt, Lebanon and Africa to highlight the impact of challenges such as gender-based violence, forced child marriage and a lack of access to education.

The symposium, entitled ‘We can! Girls’ Voices for Girls’ Empowerment’, was appropriately being held on the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl Child, which supports more opportunities for females and increases the awareness of gender inequality. The discussion was hosted by UK-based NGO Save the Children.

For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.In her speech, the symposium’s guest speaker, Egyptian TV anchor Mona El Shazly, emphasized education as a basic right of all children. She encouraged the expansion of community classes initiated by UNICEF in remote areas where there are few schools, and creating curricula for specific communities. She also pointed out the dangers of parents depriving their children of education.Entrepreneur and activist Sarah Al Madani said that society needs to change to accept women as powerful figures. “Instead of hiding behind outdated cultures, customs and traditions, we must begin seriously to change them,” she said. “Social reform starts from