The alarming reality of girls’ education in Africa

Having an education has never been a question for my sisters and I, but for millions of girls in Africa, this fundamental human right is either debatable or unattainable. A 2022 UNESCO report revealed that in Africa, about 10 million girls between the ages of 6 and 11 do not have any chance of going to school, compared to half the number for boys. 

As we celebrate the International Day of Education, it is important to raise awareness of Africa’s alarming statistics which perpetuate cycles of poverty, gender inequality, and social injustice.

Here are African countries with the lowest girls’ education rates

Literacy rates in Africa remain low, via Education Cannot Wait

Chad: The female literacy rate, which stands at 18.87% as of 2022, is as a result of societal norms that prioritise marriage over education.

Mali: As of 2020, only 22.08% of women in Mali were literate, and this is attributed to gender discrimination

Central African Republic: Civil unrest in the Central African Republic has resulted in a female literacy rate of only 26.2%.

South Sudan: Decades of conflict and instability have left South Sudan with a female literacy rate of just 28.86%.

Burkina Faso: While the male literacy rate is 40.07%, the rate for females is 29.12%, showing a big gap between education of the sexes. 

Niger: The country has a female literacy rate of 29.7%, which is due to widespread poverty and early marriage and domestic duties for girls.

Guinea: Guinea’s education system achieves a primary school enrollment rate of 77% for girls, but only 25% progress in secondary school, which leaves its literacy rate of 31.27% as of 2021, which is only half that of boys.

Why girls’ education matters

Promoting girls’ education is the first step to changing the society, via iStock

Girls’ education is a transformative force that has the power to change the lives of girls and women, as well as the societies in which they live. When girls are educated, they are empowered to make informed decisions about their lives, health, and well-being. They are more likely to have better health outcomes as well as lower rates of child marriages, maternal, and infant mortality. 

Education also opens up economic opportunities, enabling girls to secure better-paying jobs and improve their socio-economic status thereby eliminating poverty and leading more productive lives, and raising the standard of living for their children, families, and communities.

The Clinton Initiative reveals that women who work are likely to invest 90% of their income back into their families, compared with 35% for men. By prioritising girls’ education, innovative businesses and organisations can spur economic progress, expand markets, and improve health and education outcomes for everyone.

Furthermore, female education has a profound impact on societal norms and values. The saying, “If we educate a boy, we educate one person. If we educate a girl, we educate a family – and a whole nation” rings true. Educated girls are more likely to challenge discriminatory norms and practices that promote gender inequality and social injustice. They are also more likely to participate in civic activities, including voting, volunteering, and community leadership.

What can be done?

Everyone has a part to play, via Facebook

Breaking the cycle of low girl education rates requires a multi-faceted approach. Governments, civil society organisations, and individuals all have their parts to play.

Increase access to education: Governments and civil society organisations can work to increase access to education, particularly in rural and marginalised areas.

Challenge cultural and social norms: Challenging cultural and social norms that perpetuate low girl education rates is essential. This requires a sustained effort to raise awareness and promote positive change.

Support girl-led initiatives: Supporting girl-led initiatives and organisations with resources can help to amplify girls’ experiences, promoting positive change and social justice.

We are reminded by the statistics on countries with the lowest girls’ education rates of the urgent work we must undertake to promote education and social justice. Prioritising female education empower girls and women to reach their full potential and create a brighter future for all.

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