On July 31st, the international community celebrates African women through the International African Women’sDay (IAWD), a tradition that began in 1962 (proclaimed by the United Nations). Officially recognized since 1974, it has been 50 years since African women gathered at the first congress of the Pan African Women’s Organization (PAWO) in Dakar, Senegal. The goal of these women was, despite their ethnic and linguistic differences, to unite their forces, to work together towards a common ideal, notably to contribute to a significant improvement in the living conditions of African women and to their emancipation.
On this symbolic day for African women, I would like to emphasize the challenges and opportunities related to the education of girls (the women of tomorrow) in Africa.
It is no secret that girls’ education in Africa is a matter of vital importance for the continent’s sustainable development. Despite significant progress in recent decades, many obstacles remain, hindering girls’ access to quality education.
Speaking of challenges, the first one I would like to address is that of cultural and social barriers. Deeply rooted cultural and social norms continue to hinder girls’ education in many African communities. Early and forced marriages, as well as expectations of traditional domestic roles, often prevent girls from continuing their studies. For example, according to UNICEF, about 40% of girls in sub-Saharan Africa are married before the age of 18, which significantly reduces their chances of staying in school. It is also important to mention the issue of female genital mutilation, which also hinders the schooling of young girls. In Benin, the presence of laws condemning this practice does not prevent FGM from manifesting in other forms.
Secondly, the lack of adequate school infrastructure represents another major obstacle. In many rural areas, schools are located far from villages, making access difficult for girls. Moreover, schools often lack separate toilets and adequate sanitation facilities, which discourages girls, especially adolescents, from attending school in some cases.
In addition, economic constraints also play a decisive role in terms of barriers. In families with limited resources, boys are often prioritized for education, while girls are expected to contribute to family income or household chores. School fees, the cost of uniforms and school supplies are additional financial obstacles for disadvantaged families. I would like to emphasize here the issue of menstrual poverty, which results from the increased economic vulnerability suffered by women and girls. Thus, they are burdened by the financial weight of sanitary protection in their budget.
Finally, armed conflicts and insecurity exacerbate the difficulties of access to education for girls. In conflict zones, schools are often targeted and destroyed, and girls are particularly vulnerable to violence and abuse. Insecurity pushes families to withdraw their daughters from school to protect them.
Nevertheless, we must recognize and applaud the efforts that are also being made on all sides to improve girls’ schooling conditions in Africa.
Among these are the various campaigns conducted to raise awareness among parents about the importance of educating all children, regardless of gender. In several African countries, we are seeing free schooling for girls up to the first cycle of secondary school or at various levels. In addition, there are initiatives to support girls with cash transfers, such as the SWEED project implemented in some countries in the sub-region, including Benin. For example, the “Keeping Girls in School” program in Malawi has helped reduce the dropout rate among girls by providing comprehensive financial support.
Let us remember that girls’ education in Africa is a key driver of the continent’s sustainable development and prosperity. Although many challenges persist, emerging initiatives and opportunities offer reasons for optimism. By continuing to raise awareness, invest in infrastructure and support favorable policies, it is possible to create a future where every African girl has the chance to access quality education and realize her potential.
The International African Women’s Day is an opportunity to reaffirm this commitment to a brighter and, above all, more equitable future for women; and to celebrate the progress made so far!
Edéladjo Florence ODJO, Gender Specialist & L’Africaine