Millions of girls around the world are being denied education because they are exploited, discriminated against or just ignored. These girls have the same hopes and dreams as boys. They want to learn, fulfill their potential, work and help their families and communities. But too often they are treated as second-class.
1. Early marriage
Too often marriage is seen as a higher priority than education. The low value attached to girls' schooling means few other options are available to them. It is estimated that every year 15 million girls are married before they turn 18. After their wedding they leave the education system and because they have fewer educational skills, they and their families are more likely to live in poverty.
2. Pregnancy
One million girls under 15 give birth each year. In many parts of the world, girls who are pregnant regardless of their circumstances will be excluded from school. Many do not return after giving birth due to those rules, stigma, fees, lack of childcare and the unavailability of flexible school programs.
3. Violence at school
Not only is this a violation of their human rights, it is also one of the most common causes for girls drop out of school. An estimated 246 million girls and boys are harassed and abused on their way to and at school every year. 18 million girls aged 15 to 19 are victims of sexual violence - often leading to school dropouts.
4. Lack of funding
Too many girls are being left behind because funding is targeted to boys' education. Funding is an important issue when looking at reasons why girls aren't in school. Education for girls is often the lowest budget priority in many countries. Daughters are perceived to be less valuable once educated, and less likely to abide by the will of the father, brother or husband.
5. Child labour
Millions of girls spend every day working to help feed themselves and their families. Girls often stay home to take care of younger siblings and bear the main burden of housework. Many girls begin working as early as five years old mainly in agriculture or in house as domestic servants.
6. Dangerous journeys
The walk to school can be dangerous or intimidating. Most parents are unwilling to allow their daughters to walk long distances to school or take routes that could be dangerous.During violent conflicts, girls are deliberately targeted by armed groups and government forces. They often suffer sexual violence, abduction, intimidation and harassment.
7. Poor sanitation
Too many schools don't have separate washrooms for girls. In many parts of the world it's not as easy as raising your hand and asking to go to the toilet. Many girls particularly adolescents who are menstruating don't go to school because of a lack of privacy, unavailability of sanitary disposal facilities and water shortage.
8. Too few female teachers
The lack of female teachers in some countries can make school a daunting experience for girls. The presence of more women would provide a girl-friendly environment that would put young girls at ease.
9. Their countries are poor
Some of the poorest countries in the world struggle to finance an education system for all their children. But evidence shows that if we invest more in education, poverty is reduced at a faster rate, and greater gender equality.
10. Because they are girls
Often girls are marginalized and are out of school simply because they are girls and it is not the cultural norm. Their chances of getting a quality education are even smaller if they come from a poor family, live in a rural areas or have a disability.
