Staggering 120 Million Girls Still Out of School Globally, Malala Fund Report Reveals

Shocking new report from the Malala Fund has revealed that nearly 120 million girls worldwide are out of school, with 8.5 million of these being adolescents. The report, covering activities from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, was shared by the organisation in Abuja, Nigeria.

Girls in Low-Income Countries Struggling the Most

According to the report, girls in low-income countries face significant barriers to education, particularly as they transition to secondary school. The dropout rate for girls increases as they get older, especially in countries like Nigeria, where systemic issues persist.

Barriers to Education in Nigeria

The report highlights several obstacles hindering girls’ access to education in Nigeria. These include hidden school fees, policies that only guarantee nine years of free education, and shrinking budgets for education. These factors prevent many girls from completing the full 12 years of education needed for a strong foundation.

In addition to financial challenges, safety remains a major concern. Kidnappings of students and widespread reports of physical and sexual violence in schools are a grim reality. The report revealed that 44% of adolescent girls have experienced violence inflicted by teachers or classmates.

Calls for Legislative Change

To combat these challenges, the Malala Fund and its partners are pushing for legislative reforms to guarantee 12 years of free education for all Nigerian students. The report also urges the government to fulfill its commitment to allocating 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 22.5% of the national budget to education by 2025.

The organisation also supports local efforts to improve school safety and advocates for policies that ensure a secure learning environment for girls.

Global Struggles: Conflict and Climate Change

The report outlines broader issues affecting girls’ education globally, including conflicts, climate shocks, and a decline in gender equality progress. The Malala Fund continues to invest in education advocates and build a network of champions working to hold leaders accountable for improving access to quality education for girls.

Malala Fund’s 10-Year Impact

Marking its 10th anniversary, the Malala Fund has achieved significant milestones. The group has brought attention to gender apartheid in Afghanistan, where girls have been banned from attending school beyond grade six for over 1,000 days under Taliban rule.

The fund has invested over $56.2 million since its founding in 2013, reaching more than 21 million students through its grantees’ programmes. It has also awarded more than 400 transformative grants aimed at breaking down barriers to girls’ education.

Malala’s Call for Increased Education Funding

Malala Yousafzai, Executive Chairman of the Malala Fund, emphasised that governments must do more to fund education, as the future stakes are higher than ever. She pointed out the ongoing struggles for girls in conflict zones like Afghanistan, Palestine, and Ukraine, where war and instability have destroyed schools and upended lives.

The Malala Fund remains committed to its mission of ensuring every girl has access to 12 years of free, safe, and quality education.

The Malala Fund’s report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action to address the education crisis facing millions of girls worldwide. With continued advocacy and increased investment, there is hope for a future where every girl can access the education she deserves.