Half The Sky Summary

Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn’s Half the Sky has described many inhumane examples of gender violence, human trafficking, and maternal health that is taking place around the world. The stories of these women and girls have undoubtedly made me wonder what I could do to help. The authors highlight various initiatives that have been implemented into society in an effort to combat the violence against women. After having finished the book, I am better able to pinpoint the responses that are most feasible and effective in terms of providing aid to women now and also in the prevention of future violence. Right off the bat the authors grabbed my attention with the story of Rath and held it until the very end. Her story of being sold into sex slavery and then her escape back to ‘normal’ life …show more content…
Responses and initiatives for education can come in many forms, such as Mukhtar Mai’s building of a school in her Pakistani village to educate girls (Kristof & WuDunn, 2009, pg. 71) or Overlake School’s establishment of a ‘sister’ school in Cambodia are two direct responses of creating empowerment through education (Kristof & WuDunn, 2009, pg. 19). Chapter 10 highlights indirect responses to increasing education in rural area of the world; building a school is just the foundation of education and the authors indicate that there are many impediments affecting ones ability to learn. One barrier that hinders women and girls education is there absence from school; the authors indicate reasons for low attendance rates due to intestinal worms (Kristof & WuDunn, 2009, pg. 171), ill menstrual management (Kristof & WuDunn, 2009, pg. 172) and iodine deficiency (Kristof & WuDunn, 2009, pg. 172). Focusing on programs and responses that increase attendance in school will provide better opportunities and chances for children, especially girls, to finish their