According to the World Bank, girls’ primary school enrolment stands at 78% in low-income countries, compared to the global average of 88%. As young girls progress through the schooling system in these countries, the situation deteriorates, with just 31% signing up for secondary school.Â
Why is this the case, and how can this critical issue be resolved? At the FQâs recent Equality Lounge sessions, a panel of speakers took part in an insightful conversation advocating for equitable access to education for the next generation of girls in low-income countries.Â
The role of education in empowering girlsÂ
Moderator Mandy Sanghera, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and human rights activist, threw light on the intricacies of the challenges faced by girls in low-income countries.Â
âOver 50% of the population is under 30, so India is a place where the next generation is so important.â â Mandy SangheraÂ
She emphasized a critical aspect that often gets overlooked: the intersectionality of these challenges. Not all girls in these regions experience the same obstacles. Girls with disabilities, for example, confront a myriad hurdles when it comes to accessing education. In many low-income countries, girls with disabilities are less likely to be enrolled in school compared to their non-disabled peers. This alarming disparity paints a stark picture of the uphill battle these girls face in their pursuit of education.Â
Research conducted by UNICEF demonstrates that when young girls are pushed towards education, they become more energetic and engaged community members. They are more likely to participate in local administrative processes and contribute to socio-economic development. Â
Pranita Achyut (Director, Research and Program, International Center for Research on Women) highlighted the transformative power of girls’ education. She pointed out that girls who obtain education tend to practice improved individual outcomes. They are more likely to lead better lives, make well-versed decisions about their well-being, and have a stronger sense of self-determination. In these cases, they obtain knowledge and skills that can protect them from exploitation and destructive practices.Â
She spoke of the success of the Indian governmentâs Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao ( âSave the girl child, educate the girl childâ) program and emphasized that educated girls tend to marry later in life, which results in lower birth rates and improved maternal and child health. As a result, nations with higher rates of girls’ education often experience a demographic dividend, which can lead to increased economic productivity and stability.Â
Mentorship and fundingÂ
Gowri Ishwaran, Vice Chair of The Global Education & Leadership Foundation), mentioned the pivotal role of leadership and mentorship in empowering girls in low-income countries. Leadership, both within the education system and the broader community, plays a central role in advocating for and facilitating girls’ access to quality education. Mentorship programs complement this by offering a personalized support system that can make a profound difference in a girl’s educational journey.