Written by - Patricia Tsai
Edited by - Ravneet Kaur
Education plays an important role in many people's lives and can have many positive impacts. However, many children and young adults still do not have the privilege of attending school or getting a good education. This issue remains prevalent in developing countries and in girls’ education. According to UNESCO, an estimated 130 million girls between the ages of 6 and 17 are not in school—most nations where girls are less likely to be educated are in sub-Saharan Africa, where many developing countries exist. The lack of girls’ education in certain countries can be attributed to factors such as cultural practices, health and sanitation, cost, and transportation. Factors that contribute to the lack of girls’ education:
Child labor: In areas of the world where child labor is legal, families often choose to keep their daughters from going to school so that they can work and support their families. Girls that do get higher education can get higher paying jobs which can contribute to that country’s economic growth overall.
Early marriage: Child marriage can prevent young girls from continuing their education. 12 years of education for every girl would result in a 64% drop in child marriage in addition to preventing early and young pregnancy.
Conflicts: Violence and war can contribute to the lack of girls' education. Females are more vulnerable in areas of war and violence compared to those in safer non-violence areas.
Sexism: Many parents believe that girls' education is not needed and decide to pull their daughters out of school because of preconceived notions about a female’s place in society.
Why is education important for everyone?
Education is valued because it can open many doors for children; they gain knowledge, life skills and overall confidence. Overall, education has a positive impact on young girls. An increase in girls' education can decrease the numbers of pregnancies and child-birth numbers in young women and girls in general. Education helps children learn proper communication skills. Skills that are taught in schools, such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking can be vital in everyday life. Those who attend higher education such as secondary schooling are more likely to get a higher paying job in the future. Employers see education as an advantage because they prefer knowledgeable and responsible individuals. Most of all, education creates equal opportunities for everyone—working towards gender equality. If women do not get the same opportunities in education and school as men do, this does not create gender equality.
Comentários