Girl Rising Comparison

The education system is a fundamental part of society and varies all over the world, especially for women, who are treated differently in every country. Women receive different opportunities regarding education depending on their community, culture and class. Girl Rising is a 2013 film directed by Richard E. Robbins that highlights the stories of 9 girls living in developing countries around the world. Each girl battles numerous obstacles to fulfill her dreams of obtaining an education, an invaluable ticket to succeeding in her respective country. The film is inspirational and encourages viewers to put their life and opportunities into perspective. Living in a country with countless opportunities to learn and succeed, American education can easily be taken for granted. Comparing the stories and experiences of two women, Suma and Ruksana, with women in America, the opportunities and situations are significantly divergent but many lessons can be learned from it. 

Suma is a young girl growing up in Nepal, who was a bonded laborer or "kamlari" since the age of six years old. Her family was poor and in need of money, so Suma was sent out to work in the homes of various masters while her brothers went to school. In each home, she was overworked from early in the morning to late at night, cleaning the dishes, doing laundry, and even working in the fields. She was mistreated by her masters and their families but looked to music as her escape. One day she was introduced to education from a social worker who conducted a night class for young bonded laborers. The social workers asked Suma and other kamlari about their duties and experiences and began fighting against this form of slavery. Suma was liberated from her duties but still pursues her passion for the art of music. Suma's story exemplifies the traditional views many people in developing worlds have of women not being worthy enough for an education. Women are kept from learning and forced into labor jobs as soon as they can walk. However, Suma proves that women are more powerful with an education. 

Ruksana is an 11 year old girl living in India, who like Suma, has a passion for art. However, her situation is much different from Suma's, because Ruksana lives in a family that supports her education. Her father works countless hours to send Ruksana and her siblings to school, to have a better future. Ruksana gets in trouble at school for using her notebook to draw rather than take notes. Instead of reprimanding her, her father takes her to get art supplies. Although the family is living on the streets, the father supports her passions, something rare in developing countries. Ruksana's safety is constantly at risk which is a constant battle everyday. However, she uses her art as a benefit, selling it on the streets of India. 

Suma and Ruksana's stories are inspirational and represent girls all over the world, struggling to succeed due to everyday obstacles hindering their abilities to become educated and rise in their communities. However, their positivity and passion is admirable and a lesson that everyone can learn from. In America, a majority of the country, both boys and girls, have the opportunity of education. Additionally, the equality between girls and boys is must stronger in our country than those of Suma and Ruksana. The education in our country helps foster dreams for many. We tend to take it for granted, where going to school and doing homework is a chore. Looking at Suma and Ruksana's strive for this so called "chore" puts education into perspective. Without education, we cannot succeed or fulfill our dreams.