A young girl who receives an education is more likely to stay healthy, have fewer and healthier babies, send her children to school, educate her sons and daughters equally, receive an income and invest that income into her family, lifting herself and her family out of poverty.
ACCESS TO EDUCATION
In Nepal only 41% of girls make it to secondary school.
Girls in Nepal, particularly those from rural or marginalised backgrounds, face many barriers to enrolling and remaining in school. The cost of schooling, the geographical distance, early marriage, child labour and gender based violence hold girls back from the classroom.
If they do make it to school, girls are more likely to drop out than boys. Schools are not girl-friendly. They lack female teachers, safe, private spaces, particularly for when girls are menstruating, and a curriculum that is relevant to their needs. For the women and girls we work with, those exposed to violence, trafficking or abuse, education strengthens their agency, empowering them to take part in the decisions that affect their lives.
Learning a new skill, being encouraged to dream and having the chance for self-expression and creativity is transformative. Formal or informal, high quality education builds confidence, resilience, pathways to employment, self-sufficiency and is the key to healthy, equitable communities.
