This lesson studies Haile Selassie's "Education of Women", delivered in 1965. After this short context paragraph, the reading gives the speech itself so students can examine perspective, values, and contextual evidence in the speaker's own words.

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Spoken May 07, 1965 in celebration of the 24 anniversary of Ethiopian independence The translation is released into the public domain.

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With regards to the boys, We are satisfied with the progress made. Our hope in this circumstance is partially fulfilled; but the prospect of Our female children is frightening. It is as if they die early and leave their parents childless; for as soon as they show some promise in their education, they are, either by their parents or of their own accord, married.

The money We spend on the girls' schools seems to be wasted because they leave before receiving enough knowledge. If this state of affairs continues, how can We reach the goal of public education for which We have planned and are planning?

Today, the women of the world are not content only to live as housewives. In most countries they are striving harder and harder for higher education so that they may participate in the civic duties of their community and nation. In time of war, women like men, have served their country and some of them have fought side by side with the men against the enemy.