UNGEI Communication on Early Childhood Care and Education

Outline

• Rationale• Objectives• Key messages• Key activities• Key moments• Discussion

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

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

Key messages – 1 of 3

ECCE can enhance motivation, expectations and self-esteem, increase early enrolment, progress and performance, and relieve childcare responsibilities.

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.

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.

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

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

Discussion

Key messages

Other suggestions for key activities

Partners key moments

UNGEI Spokesperson/Champions

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

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

Potential roles

• Represent UNGEI both globally and regionally

• Attend major events as speakers

• Be available for interviews, PSAs and other multimedia

campaigns

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

Discussion

ECCE spokespersons/champion

Partner suggestions for UNGEI spokespersons/ champion

Key moments to employ spokespersons/ champion

Thank you!