Rishi Sunak’s decision not to go to the UN general assembly was very shortsighted. This year’s event is more important than ever, as it is bringing together the world’s leaders to review progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The climate crisis, Covid, conflict and coups mean that, without a new push, the world is unlikely to achieve many of the SDGs by 2030. In some places, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, life is tougher now than when the goals were adopted eight years ago.
Global cooperation is thus more urgent than ever, especially to support transformational issues such as educating girls. But getting to school can be challenging for girls, particularly in rural communities, where a staggering 1 billion people live, isolated by distance, terrain and lack of transport. It can take girls hours to walk to school, leaving them too tired to focus on their studies. Dangerous roads (or no roads) make it physically challenging, while taunting and bullying from boys make it even more difficult.
An easy way to improve girls’ access to education is with a bicycle. Our studies show that when girls were given bicycles in Zambia it reduced their absenteeism by 28%, and 19% were less likely to drop out of school. Girls reported feeling more in control and confident of decisions affecting their lives.
At the general assembly, Sunak would have had a chance to show his support for girls’ education and push forward global action on sustainable development, something the UK’s prime ministers have done on many occasions in the past. He should have got on his bike and gone. Staying at home won’t get him, or female students in Zambia, anywhere.
Tim Cole
Trustee, World Bicycle Relief UK
