Dear World Leaders and Policymakers...

Dear World leaders and Policymakers,

I wanted to share my thoughts with you today on issues the affect girls here in Tajikistan and globally.

Every girl has the right to an education.

Every girl has the right to reach her full potential.

Yet, many of them, especially those living in rural areas, don't have access to education and can't exercise their rights, or can't exercise them to the fullest.

In 2023, there are more girls in schools around the world than ever before, but too many of them are dropping out too early because of some harmful gender stereotypes and practices.

When I was in grade 10 of my schooling, I realized what I wanted to study and who I wanted to be. I believe that when girls leave school too early, they are deprived of this chance to know themselves and their aspirations.

In many countries, girls are not given equal opportunities in education and skills because parents prefer to invest more in their sons.

If girls don't have access to education and skills, they won't be able to keep up with the fast pace of development in the world and fulfil their potential. This makes them vulnerable and can have a negative impact on girls' mental health and well-being.

In addition, many girls face harassment at school and even on their way to school. As a result, girls don't go where they want, don't wear what they want, and don't feel safe. This all adds up to barriers to girls' access to education.

While the laws protect and guarantee girls' right to education, what is lacking is the implementation of these laws.

What I would urge governments to focus on and put more effort into is the implementation of these laws by addressing harmful social norms and by strengthening civic journalism and civil society.

Civic journalism and civil society can help identify barriers to girls' access to education, and government systems and services can help remove those barriers. Civil society is also a powerful agent in working with communities and parents to change harmful social norms around girls' access to education.

I believe that if systems and society work hand in hand, we can help girls enjoy their rights and access education, and make their futures look brighter.

But a better future is also threatened by climate change. The negative effects of climate change, such as heat waves and natural disasters, pose the greatest risk to girls' physical well-being. If girls' physical well-being is compromised, they won't be able to learn. If the road to school is destroyed by flooding, girls cannot access education.

In short, my message to you is to help create a world where every girl's rights are protected, regardless of her background or circumstances, and where every girl can enjoy every right.

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Yasmin Nazarshoeva, 17 y.o from Dushanbe, Tajikistan