As we approach the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, we are reminded of the concerning challenges girls face around the world — but also the incredible potential they hold in building a safer, brighter and more just future for all.

This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” invites us to listen to the dreams and aspirations of girls, ensuring their voices and ideals go on to shape the world we live in.

The Impact of Poverty on Girls’ Rights

In Africa, the intersection of poverty and gender inequality creates significant barriers to education, healthcare, and safety for girls. 

According to UNESCO, over 32 million girls in sub-Saharan Africa are out of school due to various factors, including economic hardship and cultural norms. Poverty not only denies girls their right to education but also exposes them to a myriad of risks.

1. Education
   
   Lack of access to education has severe repercussions. Girls who are not in school are at a higher risk of child marriage, with studies indicating that 1 in 3 girls in sub-Saharan Africa are married before the age of 18 (UNICEF, 2021).
   
   Furthermore, the United Nations estimates that over 200 million women and girls alive today have undergone female genital cutting (FGC), a practice often perpetuated in communities where girls lack freedom to education and autonomy.

2. Healthcare
   
   Poverty limits access to essential healthcare services. In many regions, girls are denied necessary reproductive health education and services, increasing risks of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that complications from pregnancy and childbirth are a leading cause of death for adolescent girls in Africa (WHO, 2020).

3. Safety
   
   Safety is a critical concern for girls, especially living in communities affected by poverty. High rates of gender-based violence are reported, with girls facing increased vulnerability when they lack education and economic independence (UN Women, 2021).

The Power of Education

Despite these glaring challenges, education remains the most powerful tool for empowering girls and transforming their futures. Here are five reasons why education is essential:

1. Education breaks the cycle of poverty
   
   Educated girls are more likely to break free from the cycle of poverty. Each additional year of schooling can increase a girl’s future earnings by up to 20% (World Bank, 2018). Educated women tend to invest more in their families, improving health and educational outcomes for the next generation.

2. Education reduces rates of child marriage
   
   Education significantly lowers the likelihood of child marriage. According to the World Bank, girls with secondary education are 66% less likely to marry before the age of 18 compared to their uneducated peers (World Bank, 2017).

3. Education improves community health outcomes
   
   Educated girls are more informed about health and nutrition, leading to healthier families. They are also more likely to seek healthcare and make informed decisions regarding reproductive health, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates (UNICEF, 2020).

4. Education empowers leadership
   
   Education cultivates leadership skills and confidence. When girls are educated, they are better equipped to advocate for their rights and participate in decision-making processes within their communities and governments (Plan International, 2019).

5. Education promotes gender equality
   
   Education is crucial in challenging societal norms and stereotypes. Educated girls become role models, inspiring others to pursue education and challenge gender-based discrimination (UNESCO, 2021).

Supporting girls’ rights to education is essential

As we celebrate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, it is crucial that we amplify girls’ voices and visions for the future.

It is our responsibility to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to receive an education, access healthcare, and live free from violence and discrimination.

Investing in girls’ education is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do — forming the pathway to sustainable development for all of humankind.

Through So They Can’s education projects, including Keeping Girls in School, My Voice, and our Champions of Change Network, we’re empowering thousands of girls in Kenya and Tanzania to stand up for their rights to education, safety and dignity.

Mercy, a 14-year-old girl from Tanzania, is just one of many girls who has personally benefited from the support of our Champions Network. After finding out that her father had accepted a dowry of 2 cows for her marriage, she ran to one of our local champions, Jeska, for help. Once Jeska learnt about Mercy’s situation, she, together with village leaders, went to Mercy’s family home to speak to her father and convince him against his plans to illegally marry off his young daughter.

“When Mercy came to me and explained her situation, I knew I had to act, and fast. Together with the Village Leaders, we went to Mercy’s house, to stop her father’s plans. We made it very clear that marrying off Mercy is illegal, and that he would be held accountable.” – Jeska

“I can’t express how grateful I am for being able to continue with my studies. I feel grateful for Mother Jeska for fighting for my dreams, and for So They Can for raising awareness about the rights of us girls in our community. I am studying hard, and this year I was elected as the Head Girl of our school’s Student Council. My dream is to become a teacher,” – Mercy

[Read the full story here]

Let us stand together to create a future where every girl can dream big, achieve her potential, and contribute to her community and future.

Make today the day you link arms with So They Can as we work to support girls’ education and empowerment across Africa. Together, we can help turn their visions into reality. Join us as a student sponsor, become an advocate and use your voice on social media, or sign up to our 2025 1HumanRace fundraising campaign!