by Prime Sarmiento
 
  It still amazes me sometimes that men read and “get” my blog. I mean, this blog has so much woo-woo energy, it’s enough to repel and banish the whole male blogosphere. And yet I continue to get male readers and even leave thoughtful comments in some of my blog posts. I was once deluded with the idea that perhaps, the reason why these men read my blog was they knew (or perhaps felt?) my “secret” – that my real travel writing guru was not Elizabeth Gilbert but a dude – Pico Iyer (sorry Eat Pray Love fans).
 
  One of the most flattering comments that I got for my blog is a tweet from one of my Blog On mates,  Allan a.k.a  The Golf Geek 
"#FF @prime_sarmiento Solo travel enthusiast blogging about safe travels alone for a female audience – an empowering niche!"
 
  I was flattered and at the same time surprised that there are actually people who think that there’s more to my travel blog than a compilation of my (and my lil sis) travelogues and tips. That by inspiring and encouraging women to craft their own journeys, my lil sis and I, will spur them to live life on their own terms and yes empower them.
 
  But women empowerment can only be possible if these women grew up educated, healthy and loved. This is why The Gypsygals is supporting   The Girl Effect blogging campaign.  By helping to raise awareness and extend resources to girls in developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, we believe that we will not only help in raising empowered women but also well, empowered men!
 
  Below are some stats compiled in The Girl Effect’s website. These figures show why everyone will benefit if we help at least one disadvantage girl get educated and/or receive medical attention.
 
 *When a girl in the developing world receives seven or more years of education, she marries four years later and has 2.2 fewer children.
(United Nations Population Fund, State of World Population 1990.)
 
  *An extra year of primary school boosts girls’ eventual wages by 10 to 20 percent. An extra year of secondary school: 15 to 25 percent.
(George Psacharopoulos and Harry Anthony Patrinos, “Returns to Investment in Education: A Further Update,” Policy Research Working Paper 2881[Washington, D.C.: World Bank, 2002].)
 
  *When women and girls earn income, they reinvest 90 percent of it into their families, as compared to only 30 to 40 percent for a man.
(Chris Fortson, “Women’s Rights Vital for Developing World,” Yale News Daily 2003)
 
There are so many ways to help. In my case, I’m listing down how I plan to fulfill my commitment to help improve the lives of girls in the developing world:
 
1. I will continue to donate to Kiva to help women entrepreneurs build their businesses and support their families
 
2. I will donate to Global Giving  to finance some  The Girl Effect projects
 
3. I will continue to eschew fluffy journalism (oh don’t get me started about those stupid glossies…) and write only about things that matter and help make this world a better place and not another garbage article on how to lose weight or how to get orgasm.
 
4. I will also continue writing my first e-guide that will help women who want to travel on their own. It will be available next month and I'll give you updates about my progress.
 
Cheers and have a great weekend!