Barriers to girls' literacy and numeracy

NITI Aayog ranks India’s performance on SDG 5 as the lowest among all SDGs. Recent cases of child marriage highlight that, despite progress, sustained efforts are needed to prevent girls from being rushed into marriage—a practice that disrupts education and increases vulnerability to violence. Early marriage limits girls’ education and job prospects while exposing them to greater risks of violence. Laws alone are ineffective without societal change. The NFHS-5 reports a rise in the median age of first marriage from 17.2 years in 2005–06 to 19.2 years in 2019–21. Yet, in eight states, 40% of girls still marry early, mostly from poor girls with little or no education. Also, 1 in 3 women experience intimate partner violence, with lower education levels increasing vulnerability. Beyond Enrolment Overcrowded schools, insensitive teachers, and outdated curricula fail to create real change. The 2023–24 UDISE highlights a shortage of secondary and higher secondary schools, leading to high dropout rates. Retention drops from 85% at the primary level to 63.8% in secondary school and plummets to 45.6% at the higher secondary level. Schools also reinforce social inequalities of caste, class, and gender. Without addressing these systemic barriers, education alone cannot delay marriage. Education, Work, and the Marriage Trap Each additional year of education increases a woman’s earning potential. Limited job opportunities in India hinder such progress. Also, as chores are not seen as conflicting with schooling, marriage is not perceived as disruptive—even though it often is. Gender-Based Violence and Early Marriage Early marriage both results from and contributes to gender-based violence. NFHS-5 data shows a strong link between early marriage and intimate partner violence. The widespread fear of sexual assault also often compels families to marry off their daughters early, believing it ensures their safety. Policy Interventions Conditional Cash Transfer programs incentivize families to delay marriage by offering payments for keeping daughters in school until they are 18. However, these schemes are often perceived as ‘bribes’ rather than fostering real attitudinal change. In the 1990s, the Mahila Samakhya initiative formed Sanghas (women’s groups) that advocated for girls' education, established residential institutions and engaged parents in school committees. These efforts created a social consensus that naturally delayed marriage. Tamil Nadu has policies such as training subsidies, hostels for working women, and free bus travel. These initiatives not only help women realize their potential but also shift societal norms, making education, employment, and then marriage the new norm. International Women’s Day is a reminder of the need to create a world where women and girls have equal access to education and employment, live free from violence, and pursue their aspirations. Delaying marriage is vital to achieving this.

📚 Africa’s Literacy Crisis: Why So Low Despite Trillions in Aid? 🌍 Over 200 million people in sub-Saharan Africa—about 60% of young adults—struggle to read and write. Women are disproportionately affected, making up over 60% of the illiterate population. Despite $1 trillion in aid since 1960, literacy rates remain shockingly low. 🆘 In many villages, primary education is supposed to be free, yet families making less than $2 a day must pay $5 to $50 per semester for fees and uniforms—an impossible choice between feeding their children or educating them. Here’s the real cost of “free” education: • Hidden Fees: In Kenya, these can add up to $80/year—over a month’s salary for most. • Uniform Costs: In Uganda and Tanzania, a uniform can cost $10-$20—5-10 days’ wages. 🥼 • Gender Inequality: In sub-Saharan Africa, over 50% of girls are out of school due to early marriage, safety concerns, and cultural norms. 🚺 • Underfunded Schools: Africa spends only 4.5% of GDP on education—well below the global average. • Language Barriers: With over 2,000 languages spoken, using colonial languages alienates millions. 🗣️ It’s time to replace aid with real solutions: • Empower Local Governments: Shift to partnerships that build governance and accountability. • Invest in Teachers: Bridge the 17 million teacher gap by 2030. • Direct Investment: Fund classrooms, books, and teacher salaries directly. • Micro-Scholarships: Help families cover school fees and supplies, especially for girls. • EdTech Solutions: Use mobile and e-learning platforms to reach remote areas. 📲 Throwing more aid at the problem won’t solve it. Has anyone seen a solution that actually works? 🤔 #EducationForAll #AfricaLiteracy #ImpactMatters #EndAidDependency #EmpowerAfrica #RealSolutions

“Ladkiyon ko zyada padha-likha kar kya karna hai?   Akhir mein ghar hi sambhalna hai na.”       Except for a few, almost all girls across India hear this every day.   Yes, we may say that the gender gap in education is closing. More girls are in classrooms, literacy rates are rising, and on paper, we’re making progress. But let’s pause for a moment and be real:   Does access to a classroom guarantee an equal future?   Because while a girl might sit in the same class as a boy, the opportunities given to them are often not the same.   💻 The Digital Divide: Many Indian parents still restrict their daughters from using mobile phones, laptops, or the internet, believing it’s unnecessary, while boys freely explore technology, access online learning, and build digital skills. In a world where tech drives careers, this isn’t just about access—it’s about limiting futures before they even begin.   🎓 Degrees vs. Careers: Girls may complete their education, but are they being encouraged to dream beyond “safe” career choices? How many are told to aim for leadership, technology, and innovation?   💰 The Cost of Prioritization: When resources are scarce, families often invest in a son’s future before a daughter’s. Education is not just about sitting in a classroom—it’s about being given equal tools to succeed. So yes, we’re celebrating progress in urban cities, but are we truly creating a future where girls are as equipped as boys for Digital India?   In rural areas, access remains a struggle. Even in cities, biases persist—boys have freedom, while girls still face restrictions on education, opportunities, and choices. Access isn’t just about resources; it’s about the right to shape their own futures.   📢 What’s one thing we can do today to make sure education translates into real opportunities for women?   — Charu Jain   #EducationForAll #DigitalEquality #WomenInTech #FutureIsEqual #DigitalIndia