UNGEI Communication on Early Childhood Care and Education

1. UNGEI Communication on Early Childhood Care and Education

2. Outline • Rationale • Objectives • Key messages • Key activities • Key moments • Discussion

3. Rationale for focusing on ECCE • First of 6 EFA goals • 2007 GMR theme • Integration of UNGEI technical mtg to HLG mtg • Benefits of ECCE to girls’ education: • School readiness • Positive gender socialization from early years

4. Objectives • Include a gender perspective in key ECCE frameworks • Advocate for policy measures to improve access and quality of ECCE, especially for girls • Promote parent/caregiver education programmes to instil the rhythm of learning and promote positive gender socialization

5. Key messages – 1 of 3 ECCE can enhance motivation, expectations and self-esteem, increase early enrolment, progress and performance, and relieve childcare responsibilities.

6. Key messages – 2 of 3 The roots of discrimination against girls, stereotyping of gender roles, violence against women are formed early within the family; attitudes reinforced in school, community, and institutions. ECCE can change some of these deeply held value systems.

7. Key messages – 3 of 3 Family support and parenting education programmes offer the potential to impact on entrenched gender perceptions. Family education programmes can help parents broaden their aspiration for girls and better perceive the capabilities of girls.

8. Key activities • Advocacy at international forums to include gender into ECCE debate • Fact sheets, Q&A, brochures or other material • Templates for partners to adapt at country and regional levels • Showcasing partners’ activities, publications and lessons learned on ECCE through website • GirlsEd-Net as platform to facilitate dialogue

9. Key moments August: Launch of GirlsEd-Net eDiscussions on ECCE 28 August–1 September: UNICEF Global Consultation on ECD, New York 26 October: Launch of the Global Monitoring Report on ECCE, New York 14–16 November: EFA HLG Meeting in Cairo

10. Discussion Key messages Other suggestions for key activities Partners key moments

11. UNGEI Spokesperson/Champions

12. Objectives • Spread the messages on girls’ education to a wider audience through spokespersons • Advocate for specific issues and policy change related to girls’ education through champions

13. Profile • Well-known personalities • Actively committed to promoting girls’ education or gender empowerment • Exemplify good citizenship, be passionate, courageous, inspiring, caring, principled, credible and capable of acting as influential advocates for girls’ education • Demonstrate leadership and willingness to use professional prestige and networks to promote girls’ education • Positive role model for young people • Articulate and interested in the issues, willing to learn more through briefings and field visits • Special talents and experience and willingness to contribute to activities such as fund-raising, promoting causes or influencing public officials. • Reputation and integrity, sharing the same goals and ideals as UNGEI

14. Potential roles • Represent UNGEI both globally and regionally • Attend major events as speakers • Be available for interviews, PSAs and other multimedia campaigns

15. Suggested ECCE spokespersons • Global figures, e.g., Queen Rania of Jordan and Princess Märtha Louise of Norway • Mr Abdoulaye Wade, President of Senegal • Prominent economists, e.g., Jacques van der Gaag and Greg Duncan • Nobel Laureate James J. Heckman • Child participants • Young mothers and fathers of young children

16. Discussion ECCE spokespersons/champion Partner suggestions for UNGEI spokespersons/ champion Key moments to employ spokespersons/ champion

17. Thank you!