Dear Graduates
By: Khadija Nadeem
Age 13, Grade 8
Dear Graduates
To those of you who are graduating dur ing these unprecedented times, I will not tell you to find the silver lining, I will not promise you everything will be okay be cause a global pandemic has robbed you of your graduation celebrations and has planted doubt in any plan you had for the future. Of course, previous generations have faced many a crisis that has derailed their plans that of the Great Depression, World War and 2, the threat of nuclear women can do. In some countries, for example, women must get permission from their husbands before pursuing a new job. 5. Globally, women are paid less than men.
According to the World Bank, women earn on average about 60% to 75% of men’s wages. If the pay gap between men and women were to close, the world’s GDP could grow by $12 trillion by 2025.
6. Women comprise 40% of the global workforce yet they are 20% less likely to access financial services, like small loans or a savings account.
Without basic financial services, women can’t access the funds they need to start or holocaust. /ike those generations, you have the right to feel cheated. But like those generations, these events do not de fine you and your experiences. In the face of crisis, develop a different perspective. This is a scary time, and right now is when the world needs people to instill positiv ity in the hearts of the deMected. Instead of mourning the loss of your expected gradu ating year, smile at the thought of a differ ent one. ou have the ability to turn this situation around for yourself, and for eve ryone around you. Choose to be different. Choose to be better. Choose to be positive. expand their own businesses or save their profits securely for future expenses. That is why for over 30 years, FINCA maintains a strong focus on making our financial products and services accessible and relevant to women. Since 1985, over 4 million low-income women have improved their lives with the help of FINCA’s financial services. Our female clients are able to access small loans that enable them to expand their small businesses, increase their income and save for the future. When women are empowered to work and create their own businesses, families improve their quality of life.