Empowering Girls
Situation
Many factors explain the low proportion of girls in secondary education. Poor parents cannot afford to send girls to school. Traditional prejudices against girls and women, which relegate them to an inferior social status, facilitate practices such as early marriage for girls and lead parents to support girls less than boys. They also encourage girls to attend school only occasionally or to drop out. The enrolment rate for girls in secondary cycle 1 is 20 points lower than for boys. In general education, the parity index falls from 0.79 in the first cycle to 0.48 in the second cycle. Other factors exacerbate discrimination against girls. Schools lack girl-friendly approaches to transport and protection against violence and sexual abuse by male and female teachers and their peers. They also lack adequate sanitary conditions that would allow girls to manage their menstruation in dignity and privacy. Girls need individual support to excel at school and academically. If they are well supported, they achieve better results than boys. In 2023, for example, girls outperformed boys in the BAC exam, which opened the door to university studies. They now need support to continue their studies in medicine
Objectives
• To support 97 girls from poor backgrounds to successfully complete their secondary education.
• To assist 3 brilliant girls from alternative care to pursue bachelor degrees in medical studies.
• To enhance the knowledge of 100 girls on sexual and reproductive health.
Activities
Educational Support for 97 Girls:
• Provide tuition fees, textbooks, and school supplies.
• Offer mentoring and tutoring sessions.
• Conduct career counseling and guidance workshops.
Medical Studies Support for 3 Girls:
• Facilitate access to university education.
• Provide scholarships or financial aid for tuition, accommodation, and other expenses.
• Arrange internships or practical training opportunities in medical facilities.
Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Education for 100 Girls:
• Organize activities on sexual and reproductive health for the young girls.
• Distribute educational and SRF materials and resources.
• Provide access to health professionals for consultations and advice.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Establish a system to track academic progress and attendance.
• Conduct surveys and interviews to assess the impact of the project.
• Modify strategies based on feedback and results to ensure effectiveness.
Community Engagement and Awareness:
• Hold community meetings to discuss the importance of girls’ education and healthcare.
• Collaborate with local leaders and stakeholders to advocate for girls’ rights.
• Organize public events to showcase the achievements of the participants and raise awareness.