Girl Child Education Advantages in AfricaEducation is essential to the development of humanity. Its ability to significantly improve people's lives is unmatched, and gaining knowledge and skills is a necessary part of living a daily existence. Gender parity in elementary education has only been achieved in 16 African nations. According to a 2012 Plan International assessment, females are 50% less likely than boys to be enrolled in school in 47 of the 54 African countries. Only 58.6% of girls complete lower secondary school, and the literacy rate of young female adults is 52.3%. This is 13% lower than the literacy rates for men of the same age. More than half of female children who start elementary school are unable to finish it, contributing to the high dropout rate among those in this age group. In many countries, girls view growing up and becoming adults as equal opportunities to take on new obligations within their communities, such as marriage and childrearing. In order to fulfil these tasks, many of them end up dropping out of school, hence the high rate of early pregnancies among adolescent females. From empowerment to societal transformation, from economic development to gender equality, the benefits of educating girls reverberate far beyond the confines of classrooms, shaping the destinies of individuals and the trajectories of nations. Join us as we delve into the 10 advantages of girls' education, and the urgent call to empower young girls in The Gambia and beyond.  1. Economic EmpowermentEducating young girls fuels economic growth. With education, girls contribute to higher employment rates, increasing a country's GDP through their meaningful participation in various sectors. Investing in girls' education becomes a strategic pathway towards sustainable economic development and prosperity for nations through empowering girls. The growth rate in GDP has been slowly increasing from 4.3%-4.4% from 2021-2022. Due to the fact that only 48.9% of women are in the Gambian workforce, increasing the amount of women working would be incredibly beneficial for the economic state of The Gambia. Girl child education is a powerful tool in poverty alleviation, breaking the cycle of dependency on male income. With education, girls become active contributors to household finances, diversifying income streams and increasing economic resilience. Empowered with knowledge and skills, they become agents of change, lifting families out of poverty. Women with a higher education can get a better job with higher pay and has the chance to address gender imbalances in the labour force. 2. Improved Health and Well-BeingEmpowered women prioritise their health, advocating for better healthcare systems and contributing to safer childbirth experiences, ultimately saving lives. With education, girls gain essential knowledge about healthcare, leading to improved access and utilisation of maternal health services. Girls with higher levels of education are more likely to place a higher priority on their own and their families' health, which improves the health of mothers and children. Currently the life expectancy is 62.08 years which is almost 10 years younger than the world average (71.33 years); pneumonia, heart failure, and maternal deaths are some of the main causes of death in The Gambia. Enhancing their reproductive health knowledge, fostering healthier relationships and self-awareness is a key in female education. With education, girls gain insights into their bodies, empowering them to make informed decisions abouttheir reproductive health. This knowledge promotes confidence, autonomy, and overall well-being, shaping healthier futures for themselves and their communities. "Educating a girl child in rural Africa does not only benefit her. It benefits her entire community." Credit: The Power of an Educated Girl | Documentary Join for Joy 3. Gender Equality EmpowermentEducating young girls promotes gender equality by granting them equal rights through education, igniting a wave of empowerment and advocacy. A society that does not tolerate violence is more likely to be fostered by educated women who are more likely to challenge traditional gender roles and stand up for their rights within their communities. Education empowers girls to envision a future beyond societal expectations, pushing them to pursue careers, participate in decision-making processes, and contribute to the advancement of their societies. Education is a powerful tool for equality. Educated girls are more likely to break traditional gender roles and demand for equal treatment, and when educated women display their intellect and skills, it changes the way society views women's abilities, resulting in a more inclusive society. 4. Reduction in Child MarriagesOne of the most significant advantages of education for girls is its ability to drastically reduce the rates of child marriage. In regions like West Africa, where 23% of girls marry before 18, education acts as a powerful shield. Girls with no education are much more likely to become child brides, with 51% marrying as children. However, each additional year of schooling decreases the likelihood of child marriage and associated issues like domestic abuse and financial dependency. Educating girls not only delays marriage but also empowers them to pursue careers, fostering independence and self-determination. 5. Breaking the Cycle of PovertyGirls' education is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty by unlocking economic opportunities, supporting healthier families, and advancing community development. Educated girls often secure steady jobs, contribute to household income, and foster smaller, healthier families, reducing healthcare costs. Schools equip them with valuable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, which are highly sought after by employers, leading to higher-paying jobs and financial stability. Investing in girls' education creates a positive ripple effect that lifts individuals, families, and communities out of poverty, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. 6. Enhanced Decision-Making SkillsEducation empowers girls to envision a future beyond societal expectations, pushing them to pursue careers, participate in decision-making processes, and contribute to the advancement of their societies. It cultivates strong decision-making skills, enabling them to make informed choices about their careers, relationships, and health—areas where decisions are often made for them. Educated girls are better equipped to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience, guided by knowledge. This highlights the profound benefits of education in shaping independent, empowered women who can chart their destinies. 7. Leadership EmpowermentEducating girls significantly boosts their chances of securing leadership positions. Studies show that women in leadership drive better organizational outcomes and foster more inclusive environments. By providing girls with access to education, they are introduced to female role models and mentors who inspire and guide them. Education helps girls develop critical communication and collaboration skills, essential for leadership roles. Moreover, girls gain comprehensive knowledge of societal dynamics, including economics and governance, empowering them to advocate for justice and participate actively in the political process. With only 8.6% of parliamentary seats held by women in countries like The Gambia, the benefits of education become clear: educating girls is essential for promoting gender equality, improving democracy, and expanding the range of policy solutions considered. 8. Boost Community DevelopmentGirls' education creates a positive cycle of improvement that extends to future generations. As more girls will be educated the birth rate will naturally go down as many women will focus on their careers which will lead to them being older before having children; girls will have a better understanding about the use of contraceptives thus the birth rate will go down. This would benefit The Gambia as it would reduce the amount of young dependents, allowing more funding to be put into other areas of the country’s needs. Empowered with knowledge, women become leaders of change, driving progress and innovation for the betterment of their communities and beyond. Female education sparks aspirations in younger generations as they witness the transformative power of education. Education becomes a beacon of hope, igniting ambition and paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. 9. Empower Women's IndependenceEmpowering women's independence is a crucial advantage of educating girls. Promoting women's independence through education is crucial. Education equips women with the skills and confidence to make informed decisions about their lives and careers. This independence frees them from traditional roles, leading to economic self-sufficiency and resilience. Educated women are more likely to pursue higher-paying jobs, manage finances, and support their families, contributing to overall economic growth. Additionally, empowered women can become leaders driving progress in their communities. This societal gain helps build a more equitable and prosperous world. 10. Drives National GrowthEducating girls is crucial for national growth. When girls are educated, they contribute to a more skilled and diverse workforce, which boosts productivity and innovation across various sectors. As educated women enter the workforce, they help close gender gaps in employment and earnings, leading to higher household incomes and increased consumer spending. Moreover, educated women are more likely to invest in their children's education and well-being, creating a ripple effect that enhances the human capital of future generations.  Stand with Us: Our Girls Need You!The importance of educating young girls in Africa cannot be overstated. Just as we cherish our own opportunities for learning and self-empowerment, it’s essential to advocate the rights of young girls to access education and follow their dreams. Every girl deserves the chance to make choices, shape her own future, and contribute meaningfully to her community. Let’s champion education as a universal right and a powerful catalyst for positive change. Join us today to help Gambian girls receive an education and transform their futures.
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The Gambia norm and culture Vis-à-vis women and girls matriarchal/patriarchal SocietyOpinion Piece by The Late Rev. Dr. John Loum Let me be clear, conceptually, nature has it understandably that women and men are equal in every way shape, or form. Sadly, in Gambia's patriarchal society the trend has been and continued with women and girls' roles has been structurally at home and society largely defined by men. Given that, the men who are the dominant power player, functionally codified the trend, on how women/girls were to operate. At home domestically, also matrimonially as in society extending to their workplaces [ office], etc. For example, I grew up in Gambia where women and girls were not given equal opportunities as boys in gaining any education, unfairly the boys would be in the streets enjoying leisurely their time playing football, and building networks of friendships and groups, in Banjul area boys would go for swinging around the beach or playing at McCarthy square.  McCarthy Square is a mini-stadium in Banjul, The Gambia's capital city. Photo credit: Access Gambia Cultural Barriers Limiting Women and GirlsThe barrier of institutionalizing Gambian women and girls as second class or socialize domesticated spices who are to be seen as unequaled equal is dismally incrementally changing much still needs to be done. As a trend or norm must be long past gone. All forms of these institutionalized patterns of cultural norms have fizzled out gradually or obliterated. Solutions for Women and Girls’ InclusionThen as we are developing strategies towards remedies and solutions, first global modernity will force on our women, or they will be left in the wind. Second women should have in place a constructive structure on the grass-root level in empowering and creating gender awareness. Along with that the goal should be re-educating and defusing much of the old ways, including cultural norms which could either be a stumbling block or an inhibition in the way of women's dignity, equal acceptance, and gender fair treatment in all spheres of human space and life.
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