Cultural barriers, weak policy enforcement keep girls out of school, experts say

Lydia Madyirampanzi, Executive Director of FAWE in Zimbabwe during the Africa Regional Action Workshop on in Nairobi, on August 25, 2025. [Juliet Omelo, Standard] Education advocates have raised concerns over cultural barriers that continue to keep girls out of school despite increased access to education and progress in policy reforms They warned that sexual harassment, gender-based violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation and teenage pregnancy remain major causes of school dropouts. Catherine Asego, senior advocacy and partnerships officer at the Forum for Women Education (FAWE) warned that while policies to protect the right to education exist in many African countries, weak enforcement and limited awareness have left many girls vulnerable. "Education remains the most powerful equaliser in achieving gender equality and empowering women across Africa, we are urging governments and civil society to strengthen the implementation of existing policies to ensure equality in education access for both genders," said Asego. She was speaking at the ongoing Feminist Network for Gender Transformative Education (FemNet4GTE) workshop in Nairobi. "Over the years, we have achieved universal basic education in principle. But when it comes to quality, safety, and inclusivity, we are still far from where we need to be," she said. Teenage pregnancy also continues to disrupt education for thousands of girls each year, despite the existence of re-entry policies designed to help them return to school. Asego emphasized that education is central to unlocking opportunities in health, governance, and leadership, and to realizing the aspirations of Africa's Agenda 2063. However, despite universal access to basic education in many countries, the quality of learning and safety within schools remain a challenge. Catherine Asego, senior advocacy and partnerships officer at FAWE Kenya during the Africa Regional Action Workshop on in Nairobi, on August 25, 2025.[Juliet Omelo, Standard] Lydia Madyirampanzi, Executive Director of FAWE in Zimbabwe, said that while education is a powerful equaliser, many girls are still denied the chance to complete their studies. "The issue of missing out on education is across every African country. Some other barriers are distances to school, hidden costs, and teaching environments that are not responsive to the needs of girls. When girls have to walk long distances, face harassment, or cannot afford hidden fees, they often drop out," Madyirampanzi explained. "Beyond just having a policy, there is a need to ensure that policies are followed through by financing them. If policies are not resourced, there is no way that school environments can change or that the teaching and learning process can be improved," she added. The conference, which attracted participants from 17 African countries, is exploring how education can be made gender-transformative and inclusive. Madyirapanzi said that improving the quality of education goes beyond access. Schools require adequate resources classrooms, laboratories, textbooks, computers and teachers must adopt gender-sensitive approaches. "A teacher's comments or even classroom seating arrangements can leave girls behind. We want school environments that respond to the needs of every learner, especially girls," she said. Participants emphasized that governments and civil society must work together to dismantle harmful cultural practices such as child marriage and FGM, and to ensure safe learning environments free from harassment and violence. "There is goodwill across Africa and strong policies on paper. But unless governments prioritise education financing and communities challenge regressive practices, progress will remain slow," she noted.

Cultural barriers, weak policy enforcement keep girls out of school, experts say

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