This morning's Today show featured a live interview with Bill Clinton, and I happened to catch a bit of it. The usual questions were asked, generally centering around the idea, So, as a former U.S. President, how do you think this new guy is doing? Clinton dutifully answered with deference to the new incumbent, measuring his words so that, in true political spirit, he actually said nothing. Well, that's OK, what do you expect the man to say? At the very last, Matt Lauer asked Clinton about the Clinton Foundation and its "Global Initiative". Well, he really came alive then! Smiling and squirming like a kid in a candy shop, Clinton talked about one particular aspect that he's especially committed to: The education and empowerment of adolescent girls and women in developing countries.
Now call me crazy, but I've always liked this guy. I didn't like a lot of things he did as President, but he himself was always witty, jocular and so boy-next-door. And so smart. Anyway, to hear him talk about this program made me feel vindicated; the guy really isn't bad at all.
Clinton knows, as research has shown time and again, that educating women benefits not only their immediate family, but whole communities. Education is empowering not only because of its ability to lift women out of poverty, but also because it gives them economic independence. Educated, wealthier nations also tend to have lower birthrates, since women have more control over their own fertility. Then there's the fact that education of children can begin in the home, well before school-age. This also instills in families the value of education, and they will be less apt to delay their children's entry into school or pull them out before graduation.
Of course, there are many forces against this particular initiative. Many have made money from the dependence of women, from families collecting dowries to white-slave traders. It's difficult to imagine women succumbing to these situations if they had free choice. Therefore, the struggle continues.
My first supervisor at the University always said, "Educate a mother and you educate a whole family". She was an educated woman herself, and knew the value of knowledge and independence. Clinton stated that his initiative has garnered many more commitments this year than last. This is great work, and merits acknowledgment. With Bill Clinton behind it, I believe it will get the recognition it deserves.
Now call me crazy, but I've always liked this guy. I didn't like a lot of things he did as President, but he himself was always witty, jocular and so boy-next-door. And so smart. Anyway, to hear him talk about this program made me feel vindicated; the guy really isn't bad at all.
Clinton knows, as research has shown time and again, that educating women benefits not only their immediate family, but whole communities. Education is empowering not only because of its ability to lift women out of poverty, but also because it gives them economic independence. Educated, wealthier nations also tend to have lower birthrates, since women have more control over their own fertility. Then there's the fact that education of children can begin in the home, well before school-age. This also instills in families the value of education, and they will be less apt to delay their children's entry into school or pull them out before graduation.
Of course, there are many forces against this particular initiative. Many have made money from the dependence of women, from families collecting dowries to white-slave traders. It's difficult to imagine women succumbing to these situations if they had free choice. Therefore, the struggle continues.
My first supervisor at the University always said, "Educate a mother and you educate a whole family". She was an educated woman herself, and knew the value of knowledge and independence. Clinton stated that his initiative has garnered many more commitments this year than last. This is great work, and merits acknowledgment. With Bill Clinton behind it, I believe it will get the recognition it deserves.
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