How improving girls’ education makes a difference for every child
Focusing on girls in the classroom helps create a more equal world for all.
Every child should have access to education. But unfortunately, not every child has the same chance to succeed.
Around 40% of girls worldwide don’t finish secondary school. The stats are worse for girls living with a disability or as a refugee.
When girls can’t learn, it robs them of their right and potential. And society is poorer for it.
By focusing on girls and young people who are most marginalised, and promoting their right to learn, we can help create a world where every child can thrive.
Because when education works for them, equity ripples across the classroom – and beyond.
It makes education inclusive
Girls disproportionately miss out on school worldwide. There are lots of barriers that force girls to drop out of school at a faster rate than boys. Or that prevent them from going in the first place. From poverty and conflict, to child marriage and unplanned pregnancies.
At the root of them is the harsh reality that society often doesn’t value girls’ education as much as boys. Harmful gender norms around what it means to be a ‘man’ or a ‘woman’ negatively affect boys too – and can limit all children’s futures.
Inclusive education helps tackle this and promote equality for girls. This approach means all children regardless of their abilities are supported to learn – including girls and those who are the most vulnerable and marginalised. They can go to school in a safer, fairer environment. And come away with the same opportunities to succeed.
Just like Salma, 11, who lives in Nigeria. Salma is deaf and nonverbal. As a disabled girl, she was isolated and left behind in her community.
Salma learnt to advocate for her own education and future thanks to a life-skills class run by Plan International. It gave her the confidence to attend a specialised school:
“I believe that I can finish my education – I don’t think anything can stop me,” signs Salma.
It makes classrooms safer
It’s not enough just to get girls in the classroom. Once there, schools must be safe, continuous and free from gender discrimination for everyone. Improving learning environments and creating student clubs and safe spaces help to do this – and they don’t just benefit girls.
An improved learning environment might mean building resilient schools and spaces that can continue to operate when disaster strikes. Or installing toilets that are private, clean and period-friendly.
In student clubs or safe spaces, children can learn about their rights in a way that is less formal or intimidating than in a traditional classroom. From breaking the stigma around periods, to preventing child marriage or unplanned pregnancies.
Nidsa, 15, attends a weekly after-school club set up through Plan International in Laos. It’s a safe space for her and her classmates to learn about their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
"I can now explain to my friends how our bodies develop, and how to manage menstruation.”
Clubs help children, especially girls, to build confidence and leadership skills. Boys are supported to understand gender inequality and see themselves as having joint responsibility at home.
In communities at risk of climate disasters, student clubs teach children safe, lifesaving responses. And how to raise awareness and make change in their communities.
It makes learning aspirational
Teachers that are knowledgeable and confident make better leaders and mentors and help keep children in school. But in many classrooms, there are a lack of female teachers.
When girls do have female teachers, they are more likely to go to school and excel in their studies. They're also more likely to speak up and get the support they need.
Training female teachers is vital for inspiring young people to learn, especially girls.
In Sierra Leone, women from rural communities have been supported to become teachers with the help of Plan International. Many of them didn’t get to finish their own education. But now, they’re inspiring the next generation. Eunice is one of them:
“When a woman is educated, a whole nation can be educated. Some people don’t believe in female education but we are trying our best to convince them that it’s important. Having more female teachers shows that women can do everything.”
Empowering girls and women in this way can help a community to change its perspective on outdated attitudes and make women pillars of community. Building further networks between schools and communities such as through parent associations or school management committees also helps to cement the importance of education. Parents may be less likely to pull their children – especially daughters – from school.
It creates cycles of change
Girls’ rights are human rights. This means girls have the right to their own education. Full stop.
But educating girls in turn often leads to a new generation of changemakers and leaders, ready to break down the next wave of barriers and create a more equal world for everyone.
Precious from Zimbabwe is just one example, empowered through a Plan International project:
“At first, I did not feel confident but as I learned about kindness, communication, and standing up for others, I began to realise my experiences mattered.
“As a peer leader, I speak up for inclusivity and accessibility in my community especially within the education sector. I am no longer defined by my disability but my determination to make a difference.”
Learn more about Plan International’s work to ensure all children have access to quality education.