Gender: education

Education

“Education is a human right and an essential tool for achieving the goals of equality, development and peace…... Equality of access to and attainment of educational qualifications is necessary if more women are to become agents of change.”

Beijing Platform for Action 1995

There are many barriers to girls’ access to education in many parts of the world, including lack of political will and resources, rooted gender biases, cultural practices and beliefs. In addition if the country is involved in war or internal disputes this further compounds the issue as women and children are especially vulnerable.

World Vision seeks to ensure equality of education for women in three main areas:

Equal access for children to education

63% of school non-attenders are girls, most of who live in developing countries. Building a school is a start but no assurance that the girls will attend, as they will have difficulties in attending for several reasons:

  • distance from home (as it may be unsafe or culturally unacceptable for girls to travel on their own)
  • domestic responsibilities including those who have married at an early age. Additionally, as the impact of AIDS spreads there is an increasing burden for girl children as they may have to take on greater responsibility in the care of the household.
  • lack of female toilet facilities which is an especial problem once a girl’s menstruation begins
  • cost of fees, books and uniform. Parents are often more willing to invest in a son’s education rather than a daughter’s – who will later be ‘lost’ to another family.

Eradicate illiteracy among women

2/3 of illiterate adults are women. Studies have shown that increasing women’s literacy also increases their awareness of health and reproductive issues, political affairs, commitment to their own children’s education and ability to participate in income–generating activities.

Encourage lifelong learning

Education is not just about school - the opportunity should be provided for women to participate in educational and training programmes, which develop knowledge and skills, especially women re-entering the labour market. Access to education and training should be made with especial consideration to disabled women and refugee and displaced women to improve their work opportunities including self -employment.