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.