Readers write: Gender equality in education is the smartest way to defeat extremism

posted on: Mar 17, 2015

Politics plays an important role in fanning the flames of extremism, but widespread poverty, high unemployment rates, and a lack of equal educational opportunities for girls are also important factors.

Many of the educational systems in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia follow a pattern of patriarchal and archaic educational systems that teach blind obedience to religion, hold tight to gender norms that devalue the role of women and minorities in society, and do not reflect social justice.

Educational systems need to ensure that all students – girls and boys – are learning “modern” skills that teach independent thinking, critical analysis, problem solving, rational behavior, questioning, discovery approaches, respect for minorities, and appreciation of social justice.

Source: www.csmonitor.com