Nine girls. Nine countries. One common struggle: their education.
This is the basis of documentary “Girl Rising,” which was played on March 4 at Bowtie Royale 6 in Norwalk as a part of a special screening event.
In the film, the crew follows the lives of nine different girls, each representing of a different country in the developing world with their own unique story to share about overcoming the gender-oppressive challenges they face in getting an education.
The documentary, directed by Academy Award-nominated Richard E. Robbins, is part of a movement to “change the way the world values the girl.”
The event was organized by the Circle of Women club. Noelle Adler ’15, a member of the club, believes it’s important for girls to see the film.
“It makes you realize how difficult it is to be a girl in other countries and how privileged we are to not only receive the great education we’re getting but also to have all the opportunities we get from it,” said Adler. “It changed my view on education on other parts of the world because it made me see the real impact that education can have on both individual girls’ lives and the world as a whole.”
The film gives insight to the barriers that young girls face such as early marriage, gender-based violence, domestic slavery and sex trafficking. It proves that education results in not only a safer, healthier world, but a better life for the girls that live in it.
Natalie Pulvino ’14 recommends the film for all ages. “It was really inspirational and made me appreciate my education so much more,” says Pulvino. “It’s so easy to get caught up in silly stuff but I think it’s important to be reminded of what some people, especially girls in developing countries, have to go through just to learn how to read.”
