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What are charities and how do they work?A charity’s aims have to fall into categories that the law says are charitable. These are things like preventing or relieving poverty or advancing the arts, culture, education, or science. It has to be established exclusively for what is known as public benefit. That means its only purpose must be charitable. Charities can’t make profits. All the money they raise has to go towards achieving their aims. A charity can’t have owners or shareholders who benefit from it. Charities have to state what their charitable objectives are in order to be registered with the Charity Commission and then explain how they are meeting them in their annual reports, which are publicly available. What are girls' education charities?Girls' education charities in developing countries typically aim to increase the time that children spend in education institutions and the quality of teaching that the children receive by building schools, tutoring outside the classroom, improving literacy, incentivising attendance, and providing supplies and technology. They are also organisations that focus on improving access to education for girls and young women, particularly in regions and communities where girls face significant barriers to education. These charities aim to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, cultural biases, and lack of access to resources that can prevent girls from receiving an education. Some examples of girls' education charities include: Malala Fund: The Malala Fund works to ensure that girls around the world have access to 12 years of safe, quality education. Room to Read: A non-profit organisation that focuses on improving literacy and gender equality in education in developing countries. Camfed: The Campaign for Female Education is an international non-profit organisation that works to eradicate poverty in Africa through the education of girls and the empowerment of young women. Girls Who Code: A US-based organisation that aims to close the gender gap in technology by providing girls with access to computer science education and coding skills. Educate Girls: A non-profit organisation that works to improve access to education for girls in rural and remote areas of India.  Photo by Doug Linstedt on Unsplash Education is a critical tool for social and economic empowerment, yet millions of girls around the world are denied access to education due to poverty, discrimination, and cultural biases. Girls who are denied an education are more likely to live in poverty, experience poor health outcomes, and be at risk of child marriage, trafficking, and exploitation. Girls' education charities work to promote gender equality and provide girls with the resources and support they need to access education and achieve their full potential. By providing scholarships, educational resources, mentorship, and advocacy, these organisations help to break down barriers and create opportunities for girls to succeed in school and beyond. In addition to the benefits for individual girls and their families, investing in girls' education has significant social and economic benefits, including reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and promoting gender equality and social progress. Educate Women and Save the World | Dorsa Esmaeili Source: Tedx How do charities impact girl child education?Charities have a significant impact on girl child education in many ways. Girls' education charities provide a range of services and support, including: Increasing access to educationCharities work to increase access to education for girls by providing scholarships and financial assistance to cover school fees, books, and other educational resources. This helps to reduce the financial burden on families and increases the likelihood that girls will attend and complete school. Providing educational resourcesCharities provide educational resources such as books, school supplies, and uniforms to girls who may not have access to them. This helps to ensure that girls have the tools they need to succeed in school. Teacher training and supportCharities provide teacher training and support to help teachers create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for girls. This helps to ensure that girls receive quality education and are able to reach their full potential. Mentorship and leadership development: Charities provide mentorship and leadership development programs to help girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, and pursue their goals. This helps to empower girls and prepare them for success in school and beyond. Advocacy and awareness-raisingCharities raise awareness about the importance of girls' education and advocate for policies and programs that support girls' access to education.This helps to create a more supportive environment for girls' education and increases the likelihood that girls will attend and complete school. Girls' education charities play a critical role in promoting girl child education by addressing the social, economic, and cultural barriers that prevent girls from accessing education and by providing resources and support to help girls succeed in school and beyond. Everyone has a role to play in girls' educationThe role of government in girl's educationThe government efforts to safeguard children who are at risk and guarantee that they obtain a high standard of education, training, and care to enable them to thrive. The Education Funding Agency (EFA) is responsible for the management of £54 billion in funds allocated towards the provision of state-funded education for a total of 8 million children aged between 3 and 16, as well as 1.6 million adolescents aged between 16 and 19, in the United Kingdom. The role of governments in promoting education in underdeveloped nations has been suboptimal. It is imperative for governments to revise their policies in order to promote the attendance of girls in educational institutions. This can be achieved by ensuring that all children have equitable access to education or by offering financial assistance to families whose daughters pursue education. It is vital for educators to guarantee that female students are provided with a high-quality education, which can be achieved through receiving training and support provided by the government. In order to provide a safe educational setting for female students, it is crucial for governmental bodies to allocate resources towards the establishment and upkeep of scholastic infrastructure, including but not limited to lecture halls, reading rooms, and lavatories  Photo by Andy Blackledge on Flickrr The role of organisations in girls' educationIt is necessary for organisations to persist in their efforts to facilitate girls' access to education, as there remains a significant amount of progress yet to be achieved. These crucial organisations have made it possible for young girls who were previously unable to access education or envision a promising future to now have hope for assistance. The organisations that are most widely recognised for their efforts in promoting girls' education include Educate Girls, Malala Fund, Camfed, she's the first, Care international, and the United Nations. Girls' Education Initiative for these organisations must persist in their pursuit of novel avenues for collaboration, such as partnering with technology enterprises that can furnish young females with smartphones or tablets to facilitate their academic pursuits. Individuals have the option to either promote modifications in policies at the regional, national, or global level or enhance the recognition of the issue. Organisations have the potential to motivate their employees to engage in volunteer work or fundraising activities that support initiatives aimed at promoting the education of girls.  Photo by FP30 The role of families in girls' educationFamilies hold considerable importance in various aspects. If parents prioritise education, they can encourage their daughters to attend school regularly and take an active interest in their academic progress. Financial assistance is available to cover expenses related to educational fees, uniforms, and textbooks. The process of deconstructing gender stereotypes. Parents can motivate their female to pursue disciplines that have been historically male- dominated, such as science or engineering, and furnish them with the necessary support and resources. Creating a safe and supportive atmosphere. This might involve guaranteeing that their female are provided with hygienic water and sanitation facilities within their household, in addition to safeguarding them against physical or psychological maltreatment. Support groups. Individuals have the ability to share their personal experiences and advocate for the prioritisation of their daughters' education among their community members. Efforts can also be made to modify policies or cultural practises that have detrimental effects on the well-being of girls. The role of individuals in girls' educationThe success of non-profit organisations that aim to facilitate girls' education is heavily reliant on the contribution of individuals. This consists of both singular and recurring donations, as well as initiatives aimed at generating funds for a particular purpose or organisation. Engaging in volunteer work is a crucial undertaking, whereby one can contribute to society by serving as a mentor or tutor for young women, providing technical assistance or strategic counsel, or assisting with fundraising or event coordination. Disseminating information through social media, producing blog posts or articles, and organising events are all crucial means of promoting girls' education and raising awareness about the matter. Individuals have the opportunity to contribute a minimum of 10 pounds on a monthly basis to these charitable organisations and monitor the impact of their support. It is imperative that we take action and collaborate to promote communal well-being and equal opportunities for all.  Photo by Info Guide Nigeria Role of SaGG Foundation in educating girls'The impact of girls' education benefits us in ways deeper than ever! Not only does it enhance your career but also pushes you to become more aware of your rights and direct a brighter future for yourself. Education and its impact can positively change the trajectory of your life and we emphasise on girl child education to help place girls on the path to success. However, in The Gambia, female education is not supported easily. Girls are subjected to early child marriages, child labour, child trafficking, and many similar adversities that hinder their growth and possibilities. We believe in creating an impact and bringing about a change through education. This initiative is only successful with your help! We believe in creating an impact and bringing about a change through education. This initiative is successful with your help!  Different ways you can support a charityThere are many ways to support charities, and doing so can bring significant benefits both to the individuals and the organisations involved. Some of the different ways to support charity: Donate money : The most common way to support charity is to make a financial contribution. This can be done through one-time donations or by setting up regular donations. Donating money can provide critical financial support to organisations, allowing them to carry out their mission and reach more people in need. Donate here Volunteer your time : Volunteering is a great way to support charities. It can involve a wide range of activities, such as assisting with a fundraising event or working at a charity shop. Volunteering can help charities operate more efficiently and reach more people in need. Raise awareness: Another way to support charities is by raising awareness of their work. This can involve sharing their messages on social media, talking to friends and family about their mission, or participating in awareness-raising events. By raising awareness, you can help charities reach a wider audience and encourage more people to get involved. Become a volunteer here Raise awareness: Another way to support charities is by raising awareness of their work. This can involve sharing their messages on social media, talking to friends and family about their mission, or participating in awareness-raising events. By raising awareness, you can help charities reach a wider audience and encourage more people to get involved. Charity fundraising: Gather exclusive fundraising ideas and help enable educational access to girls in The Gambia. Organise events to raise funds online on our platform or conduct physical events to socialise for fundraising purposes. You can get in touch with us and we will guide you through the process. See ideas to raise funds Charity gifts: Donate to cover school fees, provide uniforms and books, and support essential needs. Join our events or organise fundraisers with friends to amplify the impact. Your contribution goes beyond the classroom, empowering girls with training and resources for economic independence. Together, let's support girls' education and empower future leaders in their communities. Donate a gift here Read Our Featured Blogs and More!
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Girls' Menstruation Education Empowerment: Society's Role in Supporting Girls' in Education
Menstruation is painful and can cause embarrassment and inconvenience if not handled appropriately. In education, young girls need more prudence and support through their menstruation. For this to be achieved everyone has to give a hand.
Menstruation commences at the age of 10 – 16 years. It begins with ovulation which causes a thick lining to develop around the uterine wall. If the ovum doesn’t get fertilised, the lining disintegrates 12 – 14 days from ovulation. It comes out as blood called menstruate through the vaginal opening. It occurs once every 4 weeks and lasts 3 - 7 days. Lack of access to safe and hygienic menstrual products can have significant impacts, especially on girls' education. According to research, 49% of girls have skipped a whole day of school due to their periods, and out of those, 59% have resorted to fabricating excuses to avoid attending school. This results in approximately 137,700 children in the UK missing school annually due to period poverty. 
Photo by DNA India
Menstruation Education: How Can Everyone Help Girls?
They’re several ways people living around school going girls can help them feel comfortable as they go through menstruation. Menstruation during puberty or for the first time comes randomly. This may lead to unpredicted inconvenience if a girl’s clothes get blood attained. Girls are advised to immediately approach any adult around for help. The public too should receive with open hands, all girls in need of help on menstruation.
Menstruation brings abdominal pain caused by contraction of the uterus as it shades off the developed walls. Parents and guardians are therefore advised to teach their daughters different ways of reducing the pain. These include; lying down and relaxing while breathing slowly and deeply, slowly rolling a hot water bottle over the belly, using fingers for stroking the belly back, taking pain killers among others. Addressing the challenges during girls' menstrual cycle:
To address these challenges, schools and communities can provide menstrual cycle health education. Schools are also encouraged to acquire extra uniforms for girls undergoing menstruation. These will be meant for girls with heavy periods which might stain their uniform. In addition, the public should encourage young menstruating girls to take fluids like juice and water to replenish the lost fluids.
Community leaders should also organize a donation based funding project to provide free reusable pads to school going girls since some parents aren’t able to afford pads for their daughters. This is caused by a hand to mouth type of economy which is very common in Africa.
Credit to TED
Menstruation Education Empowerment:The Detrimental Impact of Menstruation Stigma on Girls' Education
Menstruation is looked at as a source of humor and an abnormality by mostly men and boys in society. This leads to depression among menstruating school going girls further leading to poor performance in class. Volunteers should rise and advise people in public gatherings on the impact caused by negative reaction to menstruation. Health education on menstruation can also help dispel common myths and stigmas surrounding menstruation.
Concerned people should stop myths from being spread by malicious members of the public that menstruation is a sign that a girl is ready for sex. This willing guard against early pregnancy which would lead to school dropout.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is a worldwide initiative that unites non-profit organizations, government agencies, individuals, businesses, and the media to advocate for improved menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). MHH is celebrated on May 28th every year. Its primary objectives are to challenge taboos, raise awareness, and transform negative societal attitudes surrounding MHH. Additionally, MH Day actively involves policymakers to enhance the political importance of MHH and drive tangible actions at global, national, and local levels.
Photo by Health Shots
Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Solutions for School Girls: Education and Support
In order to tackle the challenges faced by girls who cannot afford menstrual hygiene products, we propose the implementation of homemade reusable pads and accessible public distribution, complemented by nutritional support and psychological counseling.
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What is your opinion on implementing comprehensive menstrual health education in schools?
Options: A) It is necessary to empower young people with knowledge about menstruation. B) Parents should be solely responsible for educating their children about menstruation. C) It is unnecessary and may make students uncomfortable. D) I'm not sure/I have no opinion. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! Read Our Featured Blogs and More!
Follow our socials for more updatesCategoriesAll DigitALL: Gender Equality in Technology and InnovationWith technological development and innovation increasing at an unprecedented rate, new opportunities, and challenges are being presented to the world. However, not everyone automatically benefits from these changes and some people face the brunt of the challenges. Women and girls continue to struggle to catch up to the changes and associated benefits. When innovation and technology are mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is digital technology. Digital technology involves electronic resources, tools, systems, and devices which make the storage, generation, or processing of data possible. These encompass the internet and mobile technologies, digital networks, services, applications, and content; virtual and augmented reality; connected devices and environments; old and new systems of media, information, and communication; artificial intelligence including machine learning such as data analytics, robotics, and automated systems and lastly, biometrics and biotechnology.  Benefits of Digital Technology and Innovation for WomenDigital literacy and access to innovation and technology are essential skills for employability. They also provide new economic opportunities as up to 90% of jobs now have a digital component. This means that digitally literate women can have better access to life-changing information and entrepreneurship opportunities. Access to innovation and technology means women and girls can have the opportunity to overcome challenges they may have in the physical world. This is because digital access increases their civic engagement, raises awareness of their rights, and helps expand their sense of self in the world. Another key benefit to digital adoption and use is that women and girls will have fewer barriers to workforce participation as they will be able to compete for job opportunities with their male counterparts.  Gender disparities in Technology and InnovationDespite the benefits of the adoption of digital technology and innovation, clear geographic, economic, and social gaps persist when access is considered such as those related to gender. The digital world is a stark replication of gender inequality in the physical world. It is believed that more than 50% of the women in the world are offline (International Telecommunications Union), particularly in developing countries which have an internet penetration rate of 41% for women compared to 53% for men. Up to 393 million adult women in developing countries do not own mobile phones and are 8% less likely to own a mobile phone than men. This is around 23% for Sub-Saharan Africa. Women in sub-Saharan Africa are 23% less likely to own a mobile phone. For girls, those between the ages of 15 and 19 are less likely to have used the internet in the last 12 months, along with lower mobile phone ownership. Comparatively, 46% of boys use the internet on their phones as opposed to 27% of girls. According to the World Bank:
 Policy and government-level changes to bridge the gender technology gap1. Understanding the phenomeonTo bridge the gender divide gap, there is a need to understand the reasons why these gender gaps persist. One major barrier is lesser access of women and girls – access to data, devices, and networks than boys. Low infrastructure levels, network quality, and coverage also affect women and girls more. Furthermore, women most of the time earn between 30 to 50% less than men, are less financially independent, and have less disposable income to spend on mobile or internet services. Some of these women even have their access to mobile phones and the internet restricted or monitored by men. Particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls who live in rural areas experience serious gaps in infrastructure and network coverage. 2. Social norms and gender inequalityAnother reason is social norms and gender inequality. Several communities perceive the internet as a risk to traditional social order and view it as a risk for women and girls. Research has however shown that when social barriers are removed, more women and girls can become frequent and active users of the internet. 3. Inequality in educationThe third reason is inequality in education. When access to digital technology is not regular, women and girls can’t develop digital literacy by becoming familiar with digital platforms, devices, and services. 4. Lack of gender sensitive technologyLastly, the lack of digital products and services designed for women and girls also hampers their digital literacy. This makes them more vulnerable to online risks such as abuse, data privacy issues, and cyberbullying than men and boys.  Solutions for gender equity in access to technologyAccess to digital literacy There should be digital literacy training for fathers, mothers, and other family members so that the value of digital adoption for girls is better understood. It will give them the chance to support girls to be online safely and remove the notion that the internet is a dangerous and unsafe place. Creation of government policies National governments and policymakers will also have to ensure that gender laws are used when any legal frameworks for online safeguarding, security, and data privacy are considered. Protection has to be ensured for both genders. Collaboration between gender organisations and government Women and girls’ organisations also need to work hand in hand with the governments and policymakers to come up with these frameworks so that the voices of girls are heard. They need to be included in decisions that concern them. Creation and design of a technology-integrated education system Education policies should focus on digital skills for girls as well as boys. Training for these skills should be added to the formal school curricula from the primary school level to ensure that these skills are built over time and at an early age. Collaboration with internet and mobile companies Collaboration with the private sector such as mobile operators and network providers can also help to support the development of digital literacy for girls especially those that live in very remote places or are out of school. Read Our Featured Blogs and More! |
