Over 246 m children suffering violence in schools __UN
- Security risks forcing girls out of school
Sopuruchi Onwuka
Significant part of the 246 million children across the globe who face violent aggression at schools every year are girls, a situation that discourages many female students from completing their education.
According to the United Nations Girls Education Initiative (UNGEI), girls who have to walk long distances to school face increased risk of violence on the way while many experience violence while at school.
According to UNGEI, providing safe conditions for girls to get good education has become critical and for sustainable success factor.
Beyond getting the girls to school, the UNGEI stated, educating the female students requires safe learning environment in the schools and the guarantee that the girl-child would complete all levels of education, acquire the knowledge and skills to compete in the labour market.
It added that the girl children must be given the opportunity to gain socio-emotional and life skills necessary to navigate and adapt to a changing world; make decisions about their own lives; and contribute to their society.
In emphasizing the UN’S Sustainable Development Goal IV (SDG 4) which targets universal basic education by 2030, the UNGEI stated that world should ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
UNGEI made it clear that gender plays great role in determining which children poor families sent to school, adding that family choices, gender biases and traditional roles imposed on the girl child set limits to their education.
‘‘Gender biases within schools and classrooms may also reinforce messages that affect girls’ ambitions, their perceptions of their roles in society, and produce labour market engagement disparities and occupational segregation,’’ the body declared.
In pointing out that only 49 per cent of countries have achieved gender parity in primary education, the United Nations called on nations to reduce the number of out-of-school children, especially that of the female child.
It maintains that access to primary education is a basic right for every child; and that effective primary education could build solid foundation and open avenues for future success. It added that primary education plays a crucial role in reducing extreme poverty and promoting social changes.
‘‘Investing in girls’ education transforms communities, countries and the entire world. Girls who receive an education are less likely to marry young and more likely to lead healthy, productive lives. They earn higher incomes, participate in the decisions that most affect them, and build better futures for themselves and their families.
“Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals – including boys and men – the opportunity to fulfill their potential. It’s also about girls feeling safe in classrooms and supported in the subjects and careers they choose to pursue – including those in which they are often under-represented,” the UN stated.
