With 122 million girls out of school globally, many in fragile and conflict-affected areas, the World Bank emphasizes investing in girls' education as part of its new Gender Strategy. The International Day of the Girl Child on October 11 highlights the need for equitable education for all children, particularly in these challenging contexts.
Gender disparities in education are significant, especially in low-income countries facing fragility or violence. UNESCO reports that girls in such settings are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys, with secondary school completion rates at 33% for girls compared to 38% for boys.
Fatima Auwal from Kano State, Nigeria, shared her struggles with a World Bank team after dropping out due to financial constraints. "There are many expenses associated with attending school—uniforms, books, footwear, food, and other necessities," she said.
A World Bank paper outlines how cultural norms and lack of infrastructure worsen this impact on girls' education. Josette Gaboton from Haiti's PROMESSE project noted the importance of addressing social norms: “Implementing activities [in educational settings]... allows them to deconstruct the taboo around the word 'sex' and to build themselves up in terms of gender equality.”
The economic cost is also high; a 2018 World Bank study estimated that barriers to completing education could cost countries $15-$30 trillion in lost productivity and earnings.
To address these issues, the World Bank dedicates significant funding to girls’ education projects totaling $12.47 billion as of April 2024. Of this amount, $3.46 billion targets educating girls in FCV countries.
“These challenges demand transformative solutions,” said Ekua Nuama Bentil from the World Bank. She highlighted educational technologies as a means to improve outcomes and prevent widening gender gaps.
Key initiatives include:
- Nigeria's AGILE Project invests $1.2 billion to provide scholarships for poor households' girls.
- Bangladesh's Second Reaching Out of School Children project enrolled over 112,000 children from displaced communities.
- The SWEDD initiative in West and Central Africa helped over one million girls stay in school.
- Haiti’s PROMESSE project supports gender-sensitive teaching methods and addresses gender disparities.
The World Bank remains committed to supporting girls’ education amid fragility and conflict. By tackling barriers faced by girls through strategic investments and support from entities like IDA, they aim for an inclusive future where educated girls contribute significantly to their countries' success.