Every Last Girl, and we started chapter 1, “Antimbala,” and the Right to Education.

 

Brewing Knowledge Thursday 

To read and discuss the first chapter of Safeena’s book, “Antimbala.”

Key Takeaways

• Illiteracy enables exploitation: The chapter’s core message is that illiteracy creates systemic vulnerability, enabling financial theft (e.g., Vidya’s ₹12,000 savings) and property fraud (e.g., Poonam’s land), thereby undermining a person’s agency and rights.

• Education is a non-negotiable right: Nagina Banu’s powerful statement—“My education is the only thing that is truly mine”—frames education as an inherent, inalienable right and a critical tool for self-determination and escaping poverty.

• National security requires foundational literacy: The author’s 2010 visit to Afghanistan revealed that widespread illiteracy (82% among women) was a major national security risk, hindering the recruitment of a police force capable of performing basic tasks, such as noting license plates.

• Partnership to promote reading: Learning Forward India Foundation proposed to partner with Educate Girls to read the book to their staff, using live sessions to connect with the field team and reinforce the organisation’s mission.

Topics

The Problem: Illiteracy Enables Systemic Exploitation

• The chapter highlights how illiteracy creates systemic vulnerability, even with legal protections like India’s 2009 Right to Education (RTE) Act.

• Financial Exploitation:

  • Bhavri Devi (MNREGA worker): Paid “fixers” to access her wages, losing part of her income due to inability to read bank forms.

  • Vidya (keen saver): Lost ₹3,000 of her ₹12,000 savings to fraudulent bank “charges” because she could not read the withdrawal forms.

• Property Fraud:

  • Poonam (widow): Signed over her property rights to her nephew, believing she was signing for a widow’s pension.

• National Security Risk:

  • Afghanistan (2010): Widespread illiteracy (82% of women, 64% of men) prevented the recruitment of a police force capable of basic tasks, such as noting license plates, undermining national security.

  • Current Situation: The Taliban’s ban on girls’ education beyond grade 6 is seen as a deliberate act of “gender apartheid” that fuels instability.

The Solution: Education as an Inalienable Right

• The author’s personal story and the founding of Educate Girls are rooted in a lived experience of interrupted education and the struggle for self-determination.

• Nagina Banu’s Impact:

  • A child bride who was abused and abandoned after giving birth to a daughter.

  • Her “little bit of education” enabled her to get a job and support herself and her child.

  • Her statement (“My education is the only thing that is truly mine”) was a turning point for the author, solidifying the belief that education is an inherent human right, not a gift.

• Generational Impact:

  • The Singh family’s story shows how free, quality public education in the UK enabled their daughters to become a finance professional and a journalist, transforming the family’s trajectory in one generation.

Partnership: Learning Forward India Foundation & Educate Girls

• Learning Forward India Foundation: A non-profit promoting reading through live, interactive sessions.

  • Rationale: Live reading creates a powerful, personal connection that supplements audiobooks and print, making stories accessible to a wider audience.

  • Reach: Over 600 videos on the “My Good School” YouTube channel.

• Partnership Proposal:

  • Goal: Read Safina’s book to Educate Girls’ staff, including the field team.

  • Format: Multiple weekly sessions (Thursdays, Saturdays) to accommodate schedules.

  • Language: Sessions will be in English and Hindi to ensure accessibility.