Hosted by the Tennessee World Affairs Council and Belmont University, the landmark documentary “Girl Rising” was screened at a special event featuring Executive Director Holly Gordon on Tuesday. The documentary, directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins, tells the stories of nine extraordinary girls from nine countries, written by nine celebrated writers and narrated by nine renowned actresses. “Girl Rising” showcases the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world. Gordon discussed the film with Ed Gragert of the Global Campaign for Education-US.
“This film gives visual corroboration to knowledge we already have: Educating women and girls has the most optimistic, positive effects on families, communities, and economies worldwide. If to see it is to know it, this film delivers hope; reasonable, measurable, tangible hope that the world can be healed and helped to a better future,” said Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep, one of the nine “Girl Rising” narrators.
“The consequences of education for girls in the developing world are tremendous. If, for example, India enrolled just 1 percent more girls in secondary school, its GDP would rise by $5.5 billion. The payoffs are stunning, not just in economic terms but also in the health and welfare of families and communities. One study estimated that child deaths in the Third World would be cut in half if all women had a secondary education, saving three million lives,” said Tennessee World Affairs Council President Patrick Ryan. “This documentary is part of a wider effort to boost the education opportunities for girls around the world. It’s a story and an effort that our community should know about and we’re pleased to be able to bring the film and Ms. Gordon, its Executive Director, to Nashville.”
The Tennessee World Affairs Council is an independent, non profit, educational organization that promotes global awareness through programs and resources in the community, especially in schools. It is one of over 90 independent grassroots organizations in the United States that work through the network of the World Affairs Councils of America. The Council is a membership organization that welcomes volunteers, members and donors to support its work. It is hosted at Belmont University.
