[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]The International Federation of University Women (IFUW), based in Geneva, Switzerland, calls for a standalone goal of equity and quality in secondary education, literacy and numeracy for girls and women in the post-2015 development agenda, on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8.

A world where girls are educated, protected and healthy is indispensable to sustainable development and economic growth for all people. Equity and quality in education require an explicit commitment from governments to goals for secondary education, literacy and numeracy.

“There is a clear correlation between marginalisation, vulnerability and low educational attainment,” states IFUW President Catherine Bell. “Therefore, any post-2015 goal must provide for all girls and women, including the most vulnerable such as those from indigenous backgrounds, the disabled, those in detention and those who suffer in natural disasters and conflict. In an increasingly challenging environment, we need to ensure that girls and women have an opportunity to ensure their own livelihoods. ”