Domestic violence, sexual discrimination, unintended pregnancies, and child marriage have been around since the beginning of time and sadly remain to this day, denying many women and girls a safe world to live in.

The world population had hit eight billion and will likely continue to grow. Will the world still have possibilities for women and girls with this development?

According to Unicef, around 129 million young girls are out of school for different reasons. Reasons include poverty which can make them more vulnerable to trafficking, abuse and further destitution.

When women and girls are educated, they are given the space to strive and work towards achieving their goals. They are more likely to realize that they are not lesser than boys and men in society and have purposes other than bearing children and being at the mercy of men.

It is also said that women and girls who attain secondary education have greater access to opportunities, health, and community.

Oppression against women is unfortunately still rampant. To support women going through abuse or who have survived abuse, people can volunteer for organizations that will help those affected to heal. This also helps increase awareness on the plight of less fortunate women and girls and hearing their voices in their fight for their rights.

It is a big world out there. Opportunities are available for men and women. Why not support each other in achieving them?

Women need to be aware that they, too, can reach for their own goals. With the world that is eight-billion strong, it may seem challenging to spread awareness on the many issues women and girls face.

But through education, people can stand alongside women in fighting for their place in this world.

Women will realize they are not alone in striving to make the world a better place.