GSAI Advocacy Initiative

In resolving the issues around girls' education and the political participation of women in Nigeria, the Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) visited the Federal Ministry of Education.

The meeting involved gender budget dynamics, the challenges young girls face in gaining access to proper education, and the participation of women based on the report

"Young Girls Dropping Out of School and Early Child Marriage.”

The report further emphasises on the socio-cultural factors contributing to school dropouts and early marriage with the need for the Ministry to tackle these lapses in the educational systems within the councils in FCT.

The Deputy Director of Special Education and Language Projects, Mr Abel Aisudedion commended the efforts of GSAI’s and a commitment of the ministry to collaborating with them with the aim of improving the educational system of the country.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Collaborations and partnership: Policies against early marriages should be enforced with alignment to educational objectives for young girls.

Community Outreach: Awareness programs should be held to educate parents and guardians on the benefits of education above early marriages.

Support Systems: Mentorship and counselling programs should be established in schools.

Scholarship Programs: scholarship programs should be made available for young girls from low income families to lessen financial burdens.

Data Collection: A strong monitoring system and data collection base should be made for the identification of high risk areas for early marriages, tracking the educational progress, and measuring the impact of intervention towards a reduced rate of school dropouts.

The Federal Ministry of Education pledged ongoing cooperation with GSAI to aid the promotion of gender equity and equal access to education for women, girls, and persons with disabilities.