Education of girls, pathway of progress

EDUCATION is a human right but it is still beyond the reach of many, especially the girl child. Girls often have limited control over their future as early marriage is a reality for many girls and pregnancy always results, halting their education. They are often discriminated against in terms of the quality of the schools they are sent to and the cost parents, guardians or spouses are willing to pay for their education. The future of the girls will be better secured if quality education is given to them, because women are the heart of all societies, regardless of whether they are working or not. They are very influential in children’s lives because these children are the future of any society. Therefore, educating girls is one of the most important investments that any country can make in its own future.

Education has a profound influence on girl’s and women’s ability to claim other rights and achieve status in society, such as economic independence and political representation.

Having an education can make an enormous difference to a woman’s chances of finding well-paid work, raising a healthy/wealthy family and preventing the spread of diseases. For example, an educated woman is more likely to have her children immunised against childhood diseases.

For girls to enroll in school, be retained in school, and learn effectively, they need the support of the parents/guardians. The community and the government should also provide adequate financial support and to roll out policies that will favour the education of the girl child.   Enabling ministries of education to provide leadership and capacity to promote girl child education and improve the education sector will improve girl’s access to quality life. So will making girls’ education free, safe for all and providing an environment that is conducive for learning.and strengthening girls/women’s participation in all educational policy, planning and budgeting processes.

Advance life opportunities for all girls can be created by ensuring that national plans (especially educational plans) include providing the right levels of basic and post-basic education for girls. Employment of qualified teachers including training and retraining of teachers and providing a socially conducive environment that promote girl’s learning will also help.

• Yusuf writes in from the Centre for Girls’ Education, Zaria, Kaduna State.