Bec Manley
Trek for Rights 2024
Fundraising for UN Women National Committee Australia
Story
In June 2024, I'm embarking on an incredible six-day journey through the rugged beauty of the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory. But this isn't just an adventure for me; its a mission to make a real difference in the lives of women in Australia and around the world.
I'm leaving my family, comfy bed and warm showers behind, to trek through Central Australia to raise money for UN Women Australia's Second Chance Education Program.
Shockingly TODAY, half a billion of the world's illiterate adults are women.
This trend has not changed in 20 years.
We know that during conflict, girls are 2.5 times more likely to drop out of school than boys are, and 48% of girls who are out-of-school today are unlikely to ever enrol in school.
Women who have missed out on an education due to humanitarian crisis, poverty, early marriage and discriminatory norms, face immense barriers accessing training and job opportunities and participating in the digital world.
UN Women's Second Chance Education Program works to reach women who have missed out on an education due to cultural barriers, gender-based violence, conflict and early marriage and childhood pregnancy. The program provides face to face, online and blended adult learning and skills training for women who need it most to ensure we leave no one behind.
WHY THIS CAUSE MATTERS TO ME
Education is a powerful force for change. I am a lifelong learner, and I am passionate about achieving gender equality. I firmly believe education can unlock doors to a more equal, innovative and peaceful world.
I've had the opportunities of a lifetime as a result of my own education (hello: interning at the Beijing Olympics!). I recognise the sacrifices my parents made to ensure I had these opportunities and the privilege it has given me.
I'm tackling the Larapinta Trail with two exceptional women I met at different stages of my own education journey (Rose and Ally).
We're looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime adventure together, and the opportunities it will bring to other women who have missed out on an education.