Education for All: Girls Included

In the United States, we take for granted the equal opportunity for both boys and girls to go to school. Sadly, in many 3rd world countries, including most countries in Africa, girls are discriminated against and prevented from gaining a valuable education. It’s estimated in sub-Saharan Africa that 49 million girls are denied a primary and secondary education. ("Africa:Make") This widespread discrimination forces women to stay in the cycle of poverty and prevents girls from fulfilling their hopes and dreams for a better life.

The status of girls’ education in African countries is shocking. In Ethiopia, less than 60 girls for every 100 boys are enrolled in secondary education, while in Somalia, fewer than 2% of girls attend secondary school. (Jordan) The key reasons for this vast discrepancy are persistent cultural norms and poverty.

One reason 49 million girls are denied primary and secondary education in sub-Saharan Africa is due to the persistent cultural attitudes toward girls in Africa. (“Africa: Make”) According to Human Rights Watch, one custom in the countries of Africa that prevents the education of girls is the expectation for adolescent girls to marry and have children. This is especially true in poor families where the marriage of a young girl who has been kept largely at home brings the needy family a higher bride price. Schools do not permit girls who are mothers or who are pregnant to stay in school, leading many girls to leave school well before the age of 18.  Also, after they have had the baby, it is very hard for them to re-enter education. (“Africa: Make“) Another social norm keeping girls out of school is the idea that a boy’s education is valued more over the education of a girl. Due to gender norms, girls typically help their mothers cook, clean, and care for siblings. The family values these contributions more than their education. This leads to many families only sending the boys in their families to school for an education. (“6 Things”)

Another issue in Africa that leads to a lack of education for girls is the economy. According to Plan International Canada, “The cost of uniforms, textbooks or bus fare can be too much to bear for a family living in poverty.” Due to the fact that even if a family can afford education for one of their children, they are much more likely to send a boy, as their education is valued much more. This predicament leads to women being in a loop of poverty for the rest of their lives. Without a good education, they cannot get professional positions in jobs, which leaves the workforce sparse with women. Not to mention, women also have to take care of the children they had so young.

Although times are looking rough in Africa for girls trying to get an education and start a sturdy life, the government is trying its best to help. Policies are being passed to help girls get the education they deserve. “These policies included reducing or completely eliminating school fees in public institutions in impoverished areas, making school environments gender-sensitive, such as assisting pregnant students and increasing the number of female teachers.” (Kuwonu)

Works Cited:

Jordan, Ray. “The Education Challenges of Africa's Girls.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 18 Feb. 2017, www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-education-challenges-of-africas-girls_us_58a84619e4b026a89a7a2b9d.

“Africa: Make Girls' Access to Education a Reality.” Human Rights Watch, 16 June 2017, www.hrw.org/news/2017/06/16/africa-make-girls-access-education-reality.

“6 Things Keeping Girls out of School and What Plan International Is Doing about It.” 6 Barriers to Girls Education - Female Education in Africa, Asia & Latin America - Plan International Canada, www.plancanada.ca/6-things-keeping-girls-out-of-school.

“Millions of Girls Remain out of School | Africa Renewal Online.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/april-2015/millions-girls-remain-out-school.