In Japan visit, US First Lady Michelle Obama puts focus on empowering girls through education

By ELAINE KURTENBACH, Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Education is the starting point for opportunity, U.S. first lady Michelle Obama said Thursday as she and her Japanese counterpart Akie Abe showcased efforts to help girls stay in or return to school.

“Like so many women I was able to achieve both my professional and personal goals because of my education,” Mrs. Obama said after Abe announced plans for Japan to support the “Let Girls Learn” project aimed at promoting education for girls in the developing world.

“My education is the starting point for every opportunity in my life,” Mrs. Obama said. “When we put limits on women’s lives we stifle their full potential.”

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