On this International Women's Day, our team at Habla Bonito Language School, reflects on the enduring challenges women face in 2024 in achieving true gender equity. Despite significant strides over the past decades, disparities in access to education, employment opportunities, and representation in power spaces remain formidable barriers. At Habla Bonito, we take a decidedly feminist stance, committing not just to empower women within our organisation but also through our global community of learners.
Education, and more specifically, language learning, stands as a powerful tool for empowerment. Mastering a new language opens doors to professional, educational, and personal opportunities, facilitating greater access to resources, support networks, and international platforms. For women, this means a way to challenge and transcend socio-economic and cultural barriers, thus promoting gender equity.
Across the globe, from the United Kingdom to Brazil, brave and pioneering women have used their voices to advocate for change and equality. Figures like Malala Yousafzai in Pakistan, who, despite facing violence, tirelessly fought for girls' right to education; Michelle Bachelet, the first woman to serve as President of Chile and as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who has worked tirelessly for women's rights; and Angela Merkel, whose leadership as Chancellor of Germany broke molds and set new precedents for female participation in politics.
At Habla Bonito, we firmly believe in the transformative power of language learning. By offering accessible and personalised programs, we aim to empower women of all ages and backgrounds, providing them with the necessary tools for their personal and professional development. Our inclusive and mindful approach seeks not only to teach languages but also to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and the shared struggles for gender equity.
The statistics speak for themselves: according to UNESCO, access to foreign language education can increase women's employability by 20%. Furthermore, studies show that women who speak multiple languages are 50% more likely to hold leadership positions.
Today, on International Women's Day, we reaffirm our commitment to working towards a future where all women have the opportunities and support they need to reach their highest potentials. We celebrate and draw inspiration from the stories of women around the world who, with courage and determination, have fought for a more just and equal world. At Habla Bonito, every word we teach is a step towards that future.
We commit to continue our mission of empowering women through language learning, recognising that every female student, collaborator, and leader is vital in the fabric of a more equitable world. Together, we can and will make a difference.