 Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, dream, and build a future. Yet for thousands of girls in The Gambia, that opportunity is still uncertain. Education has the power to transform lives, yet for thousands of girls in The Gambia, simply completing school remains an uphill battle. While the country has made real progress in expanding access to primary education, that progress often stalls the moment girls approach secondary school. Poverty, child marriage, gender inequality, limited access to digital technology, high dropout rates, and sexual abuse continue to stand between girls and the education they deserve. The barriers do more than interrupt a girl's schooling. They narrow her future, put her health and wellbeing at risk, and slow the social and economic development of entire communities. When a girl is forced out of school, it isn't just her future that's diminished, it's her community's. In this blog, we explore six reasons why girls' education in The Gambia demands urgent attention, drawing on research, real experiences, and the work of the SaGG Foundation. You'll see why investing in girls' education is one of the most powerful ways to break the cycle of poverty and inequality and how, together, we can help every girl access the education, support, and opportunities she deserves. Video by UNICEF The Gambia 1. Too Many Girls Never Complete Their EducationThe Gambia has made significant progress in expanding access to education, with more girls than ever enrolling in primary school. However, the greatest challenge is no longer getting girls into school; it's keeping them there. According to UNESCO, an estimated 79.2% of girls complete primary education, but completion falls to 64.9% at lower secondary and just 35.7% at upper secondary level, meaning thousands of girls leave school before gaining the qualifications needed for higher education or meaningful employment. The reasons behind these statistics are complex but interconnected. Poverty, child marriage, gender inequality, unsafe journeys to school, and the hidden costs of education continue to force many girls out of the classroom. Although public education is officially free, families are still expected to pay for uniforms, books, transport, examination fees, and other school essentials. For low-income households, these costs often determine whether a daughter remains in school or drops out.  "Gambia’s 2023 primary enrolment reached 86.8% for girls, yet secondary participation stalls at 65.6% and completion falls to 25%, a stark contrast to boys’ rates" (UNICEF, 2024). 2. Gender Norms and Cultural Expectations Continue to Hold Girls BackIn many parts of The Gambia, deeply rooted gender norms and cultural expectations continue to shape the lives of girls long before they reach adulthood. While attitudes are gradually changing, many girls are still expected to prioritise domestic responsibilities over education. From an early age, they may spend hours cooking, cleaning, collecting water, caring for younger siblings, or supporting family businesses, leaving little time for studying. In some communities, girls are expected to marry during adolescence, with some becoming wives and mothers as young as 14 years old, bringing their education to an abrupt end. Others grow up hearing that their future is in "a man's house", reinforcing the belief that investing in a girl's education is less valuable than preparing her for marriage. These harmful stereotypes limit aspirations, reduce educational opportunities, and perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality. Challenging these norms through community engagement, parental education, female role models, and advocacy is essential to ensuring every girl has the opportunity to complete her education and fulfil her potential. Video by UNICEF 3. Poverty Forces Too Many Girls Out of SchoolPoverty remains one of the greatest barriers to girls' education in The Gambia. Although basic education is officially free, the reality for many families is very different. Parents are still expected to cover the cost of school uniforms, books, stationery, transport, examination fees, and other essential learning materials. For households already struggling to meet daily needs, these expenses can make it impossible to continue a girl's education. The World Bank estimates that around 20% of Gambians live below the international poverty line of US$3.00 per day, while the country's GDP per capita is approximately US$919, reflecting the limited financial resources available to many families. When difficult financial decisions must be made, girls are often expected to leave school to support their families by doing household work or engaging in income-generating activities. What It Really Costs to Educate a GirlWhen we talk about education, it’s easy to assume that “free schooling” means there are no costs involved, but for many families in The Gambia, sending a child to school still comes at a cost, often higher than they can afford. The Everyday Costs Families Face Even in public schools, parents are expected to cover a range of basic expenses.
Individually, these costs might not seem overwhelming, but together, they quickly become unaffordable for many households. A £10/month sponsorship covers 100% of the direct costs listed above, plus a mentor’s quarterly visit and a health check-in. The Hidden Costs No One Talks About Beyond these visible expenses, there are other pressures that families face Even when official school fees are removed, the cost of uniforms, meals and materials can take up a significant portion of a family’s income. For some, it can be as much as 20% of what they have available to spend. There’s also the cost of lost income. When families are struggling, girls are often expected to help, whether that means caring for younger siblings or earning money through menial jobs. Over time, this pulls them further away from education and deeper into the cycle of poverty. 4. Child Marriage Continues to Cut Girls' Education ShortFor many girls in The Gambia, education ends long before they have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Child marriage remains one of the most significant barriers to girls completing secondary education. According to UNICEF, around 30% of women aged 20–24 in The Gambia were married before the age of 18, limiting their opportunities to continue learning, develop careers, and become financially independent. Once married, many girls are expected to manage household responsibilities and care for children, making a return to school extremely difficult. Video by CNN Benefits of keeping girls in schoolKeeping girls in school is one of the most effective ways to delay child marriage and improve future opportunities. Research from UNESCO and the Global Partnership for Education shows that girls who complete secondary education are more likely to marry later, earn higher incomes, and raise healthier families.  5. Limited Access to Digital Skills Is Widening the Gender Digital DivideAs the world becomes increasingly digital, many girls in The Gambia risk being left behind because they lack access to computers, reliable internet, and digital skills training. While digital literacy is becoming essential for higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and participation in the modern economy, many schools have limited ICT facilities, particularly in rural communities. Girls from low-income households often have fewer opportunities to use technology than boys, further widening the gender digital divide. Without digital skills, girls face reduced access to university opportunities, online learning, scholarships, and future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Closing this gap is essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Through computer donations, digital skills training, and educational support, the SaGG Foundation is helping equip girls with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. 6. Investing in Girls' Education Creates Lasting Change for GenerationsInvesting in girls' education in The Gambia is not only the right thing to do but also one of the smartest investments a country can make. According to the World Bank, every additional year of schooling can increase a woman's future earnings by 10–20%, while countries lose billions in lifetime productivity when girls leave school early. UNESCO estimates that if every girl completed secondary education, child marriage would decline significantly, maternal and child deaths would fall, and millions more women would enter the workforce. Educated women are also more likely to invest up to 90% of their income back into their families, compared with 30–40% for men, creating healthier children, stronger communities, and more resilient economies. Be the Reason a Girl stays in SchoolFor just £10 a month, you can help a vulnerable girl stay in school by providing access to education, learning materials, mentoring, and the support she needs to build a brighter future. Together, we can transform one life and the lives of generations to come.
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Why Tertiary and University Education Is Critical for Girls in AfricaWhat is University and Tertiary Education?Tertiary education, also known as post-secondary or higher education, is the level of study that follows the completion of secondary school. It includes universities, polytechnics, vocational and technical schools, and teacher-training colleges that grant certificates, diplomas, and degrees. For girls in Africa, this stage of education is not only about academic qualifications but also a gateway to leadership, economic empowerment, and social transformation. Benefits of Higher Education for GirlsAcademic education provides broad-based knowledge and equips women with the ability to question, analyse, and innovate. Key benefits include:
Benefits of Vocational Skills Education for Girls Source: Essence Magazine Not all students pursue traditional academic degrees. Vocational education focuses on equipping women with practical, employment-ready skills that align with labour market needs. Advantages include:
Status of Tertiary and Higher Education in AfricaDespite progress, challenges remain. The gender parity index (GPI) for tertiary education in Africa was 0.71 in 2019, but has improved in some countries to near parity by 2023. In fact, female enrolment now exceeds male enrolment in a few African countries. Still, barriers persist:
Is the Situation Improving?Yes, efforts are underway to close the gender gap. Affirmative action policies in Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa are increasing female enrolment. Scholarship programs such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provide comprehensive support for disadvantaged African students. Gender-responsive pedagogy is gaining momentum, integrating feminist perspectives, anti-GBV training, and women’s leadership development into tertiary education.  Source: Fierce Education Transforming Africa's Tertiary and Higher EducationAfrica’s tertiary education system has long faced barriers, ranging from inadequate funding and limited infrastructure to socio-cultural restrictions that disproportionately affect women. Yet, change is possible through collective support, policy innovation, and grassroots initiatives. Expanding access requires more than just building institutions; it demands creating inclusive systems that allow women and marginalised groups to thrive. One important avenue of transformation is through supporting organisations and foundations that work to bridge the gap in higher education. NGOs such as the Mastercard Foundation, CAMFED, and SaGG Foundation have already demonstrated how scholarships, mentoring, and support services can empower girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher studies. Equally crucial is advocating for investment from governments and the private sector, ensuring that funding keeps pace with Africa’s rapidly growing youth population. Source: Mastercard Foundation At the same time, improving the quality and relevance of education is key. Universities must align curricula with labour market needs, integrate digital and entrepreneurial skills, and support faculty development to prepare graduates for the modern economy. Encouraging female-led research and innovation will further strengthen Africa’s ability to tackle pressing challenges such as climate change, healthcare inequalities, and the adoption of artificial intelligence for local solutions. Ultimately, leveraging technology through online learning, mobile platforms, and blended classrooms can bridge the rural–urban divide and make higher education more inclusive. Support a Gambian Girl Foundation (SaGG)Grassroots organisations remain at the heart of sustainable change in Africa’s education system. Since its establishment in 2019, the Support a Gambian Girl Foundation (SaGG) has been working to transform the lives of Gambian girls by providing scholarships, mentoring, and resources that enable them to continue their studies despite economic and cultural barriers. The foundation’s work goes beyond individual students. By promoting gender equality and leadership opportunities, SaGG contributes to breaking cycles of poverty that affect entire families and communities. Educated women are more likely to reinvest up to 90% of their income back into their households, and girls who stay in school are less likely to marry early and more likely to raise healthier children. Graduation of Our First University StudentBREAKING BARRIERS: THIS IS FATOU! Fatou's journey is a story of determination and perseverance. Despite financial struggles and a lack of support for her university fees, she pursued her dream and earned admission. After four years of relentless effort, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. An internship as a data analyst further equipped her with practical skills, opening doors for a promising career. As the first in her family to earn a degree, Fatou's achievement is a true testament to hard work and ambition. Click to Watch Fatou's Story Call to ActionAfrica’s higher education system is evolving, but girls still need champions. The Support a Gambian Girl Foundation (SaGG) is one such champion, breaking barriers and giving Gambian girls the chance to complete higher education. By supporting SaGG, you directly invest in scholarships, mentoring, and resources that provide young women with the opportunity to thrive. You can:
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