The value of education: reflection on the International Day of the Girl

Last night, a colleague and I had the opportunity to attend a private screening of Girl Rising, hosted by Linklaters LLP. The screening and following panel discussion at the Barbican Centre were held in celebration of the International Day of the Girl (#IDG2013), which is a UN observance day to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenge girls face globally. The theme for 2013 focuses on innovation in girls' education.

Girl Rising, a feature film that seeks to share the inspirational stories of nine girls from around the world, has developed into a global action campaign for girls' education. The ensuing social movement presents a significant opportunity for both empowering communities at a grassroots level and challenging leaders at the highest levels of government and within corporations. Voices of girls living in some of the most difficult political and economic situations, including Afghanistan and Nepal, have been given a platform to share their experiences of poverty, bonded labour and child marriage. The film has been awarded the '#1 most dynamic social initiative of 2012' by Forbes Magazine and Holly Gordon, its executive director and executive producer, named one of 125 'woman of impact' by Newsweek/Daily Beast in the same year.

Yesterday's private screening demonstrated significant investment and backing by Linklaters, who also run an Inspiring Women programme and work closely with the students of Clapton Girls’ Academy. The law firm is by no means alone in championing an impressive corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda. The Clifford Chance Foundation has spent nearly £4 million with over 200 charities, since its creation in 2008. DLA Piper is an official partner with UNICEF, providing pro bono assistance and pledging to raise funds to secure child justice. There are many more examples of CSR projects run and supported by law firms; you can learn more about the pro bono initiatives of individual firms via their LawCareers.Net profiles and see a full list of projects in More Law.

Reflecting on Girl Rising and the many activities held today in celebration of #IDG2013, it is sobering to remember the many hours of education we receive in the UK with little appreciation of the opportunity. In pursuing a legal career in particular, students undertake years of school, university and postgraduate training. While gender diversity in the profession remains a topical discussion point, we are in the lucky position that access to education in this country - for the most part - is not a privilege only considered worthy for boys. As lawyers, trainees and even law students, you may be offered opportunities to contribute to or manage pro bono and charitable activities that have real impact for many people. Yesterday's event served as an important reminder of the impetus to become involved and take action.