Why donate?
The task is huge and AWEF is doing its part to empower as many girls as possible by providing them with a secondary education. Please join us in our mission.
Understanding the Problem
In Africa, it is said that "If you educate a man you educate an individual. When you educate a woman you educate a nation.” Despite this nearly 60% of girls in Sub-Saharan Africa are not receiving a secondary education.
There are many reasons for this disparity, some having to due with national economics and mismanagement, but most are rooted in the diminished status of women in many African societies. Since a secondary education is not free, families often choose to educate boys believing that they will stay at home and help support the family, whereas girls will get married and leave to live with her husband’s family. This mindset reinforces the gender stereotype
of women doing the unpaid work of cooking, cleaning, childcare etc.
- Women’s nutrition and health suffer in many countries since men are often fed first, and the best of the meal
- Gender based violence and abuse is a common reason for girls leaving school. Often there are no safe, separate toilet facilities for girls and abuses are committed, often with impunity, by adult men and boys.
- Child marriage is another common practice leading to a higher rate of school drop out for girls than for than for boys. This practice increases girls vulnerability to early childbearing and HIV/AIDS.
A Woman with an Education
Education is essential for the empowerment of girls and women! It is well known that when a girl receives at least a secondary education she is more apt to delay marriage and child bearing, is three times less likely to contract HIV/AIDS, will raise fewer, healthier children, make a sustainable living* and improve the quality of life for herself, her family and her community. Worldwide many US and international organizations investing in the empowerment of girls through education. The links below provide more in-depth information about these efforts.
*A World Bank study found that every year of secondary education is correlated with an 18% increase in a girl’s future earning potential.
Work Cited: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 2010. The World's Women 2010: Trends and Statistics.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/letgirlslearn
http://dayofthegirl.org/girls-denied-education-worldwide/
