Let’s break the bias

This year on International Women’s Day we are shining a light on two strong and inspiring women who have both worked tirelessly to make a difference and break the bias.

The first is Gurpreet who is from a rural Fijian village, she was the first in her family to attend University, leaving home and moving away on her own to do so.

Gurpreet studied by night using oil lamps to ensure she finished school with good grades and her family were so proud when she graduated from University as a high school teacher.

She is now an inspiration to her siblings and other Girls in the village. She helps young Girls with tutoring and even went back to her school to speak at an assembly, telling her story and encouraging young people to follow their dreams.

The other woman we are celebrating today is Urmila, our program coordinator who embodies the true definition of breaking the bias.

She has worked with us at ‘a Girl & her world’ for almost 10 years, and also spent time working with Fiji Red Cross to help create a community that is more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Urmila dreams of women’s equality and has helped hundreds of Girls get back to school and supported them to finish their education, encouraging many to consider higher education. While doing this she also worked with mums who had family businesses, helping them boost livelihoods and build economic dignity.

Many wouldn’t be where they are today without her vision for creating a better future for women and Girls.

Today and every day, we stand with women to create a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality.