EmpowerEd

Where words are spread, dreams are led

About Us

EmpowerED is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young girls in Pakistan facing gender inequality by providing them with educational children's books written by children themselves. We hope to bridge cultural gaps and foster global empathy by creating and delivering stories that encourage self-belief, creativity, and a love for learning.
EmpowerED stands out for its unique approach of creating books BY the children FOR the children. By involving elementary school students in the creation of culturally relevant content, we aim to break barriers in girls' education, promote gender equality, and inspire a sense of empowerment among young girls in Pakistan and beyond.

Our Mission

The Current Situation in Pakistan

The education system in Pakistan faces significant challenges, particularly in providing access to and retaining girls in school. Cultural norms, economic constraints, and inadequate infrastructure have historically limited educational opportunities for girls. According to "EduAnalitics," 75 percent of 10-year-olds in Pakistan cannot read a simple text, a figure that may have risen to 79 percent due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the 2022 floods. There are about 2 million more girls out of school than boys in Pakistan, totaling approximately 12 million girls. Overall, the number of out-of-school children in Pakistan ranges from 20.3 to 22.1 million. As girls grow older, they are increasingly deprived of their right to education, and this trend has been escalating over the past decades.

Education is a Right

Education is a fundamental right that all humans are entitled to, regardless of gender, age, race, or economic status. However, in Pakistan, many girls are denied this basic freedom due to enduring cultural and political barriers. The power of words can help these girls realize their full potential and advocate for change.

Raise Cultural Awareness and Empowerment

Sending books that were created by children in South Korea in particular will raise cultural Awareness and Empowerment. Books established by EmpowerED can expose girls to diverse cultures, ideas, and role models, broadening their perspectives and empowering them to explore different opportunities beyond traditional gender roles.

Help Access Learning Materials

Your action through EmpowerED will help the girls access learning materials they often lack, especially since they do not have access to proper schooling. Pakistani girls, especially those living in remote areas, are constantly deprived of books to read, leaving them hungry for stories. Donated books along with personal letters can fill this gap, providing access to reading materials that stimulate learning and curiosity among girls.

Improve Pakistani Girls' Literacy Skills

Furthermore, this will improve the Pakistani girls’ literacy and language skills by providing a rich variety of easy-to-follow and engaging stories written by fellow children.

PLF

Pakistan Learning Festival

IBBY

An integral aspect of our collaboration with IBBY includes facilitating a letter exchange program that offers glimpses into the daily lives of girls, enhancing children's cultural awareness. Furthermore, South Korean children will engage with Pakistani girls through digital participation in the Pakistan Art Festival. This initiative will involve the exchange of traditional crafts and culturally significant items between Pakistan and Korea, fostering deeper cultural connections. Additionally, EmpowerED’s physical copies of children's books will be sent directly to the girls in Pakistan that work with Alif Laila Book Bus Society.

분당사회복지관

Educational Children Books

At EmpowerED, we are dedicated to creating children's books that are not only educational but also engaging and culturally inspiring. By involving elementary and secondary students in the creation of these books, we aim to provide Pakistani girls with stories of the world through the eyes of children their own age to offer them a fresh and relatable perspective.

Cultural Exchange Events

In partnership with the Pakistan Learning Festival and the Alif Laila Book Bus Society (IBBY Pakistan), EmpowerED organizes cultural exchange events that bring together Pakistani and Korean students. These events showcase artistic creations, including artworks and written pieces, allowing students to share and celebrate each other's traditions and heritage. Our goal is to bridge the physical and cultural distances that separate Pakistani and Korean children, promoting a deeper appreciation of each other's cultures.

EmpowerEd in Pakistan (in the future)

EmpowerED, in collaboration with the Pakistan Learning Festival and the Alif Laila Book Bus, has successfully distributed our books to Pakistani girls. We are more than happy to see these young girls smile, touched by our words and illustrations.

Address

Manhattan, New York, NY, United States
Mon-Fri - 08:00-19:00