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Education Cannot Wait Invests in Gender Equality in Education

In a significant move to promote gender equality in education within crisis settings, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has unveiled two new grants totaling $1.9 million. This initiative aims to combat the barriers faced by girls who live in emergencies and protracted crises, partnering with the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative (UNGEI) and Plan International Canada.

Yasmine Sherif, the Executive Director of ECW, highlighted the difficulties that girls in such contexts face in realizing their right to education. With a staggering 53% of the 72 million children out of school in crisis-affected areas being girls, the urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. Sherif emphasized that without safe learning environments, many girls are at risk of child marriage, gender-based violence, and exploitation, jeopardizing their educational aspirations.

The first grant of $1 million will be administered by UNGEI. It focuses on integrating gender-transformative methodologies in educational programs in emergencies, aiming to dismantle systemic inequalities. The second grant, worth $900,000, will be managed by Plan International Canada, emphasizing the importance of effectively measuring gender transformative changes in the educational landscape during crises.

Antara Ganguli, UNGEI's Director, noted that four out of the five countries with the largest educational gender gaps are affected by conflict. She expressed optimism about the grant, which allows UNGEI to work collaboratively with local partners to close this critical gap, enabling girls in crisis situations to learn and thrive. Investing in girls’ education is heralded as a key strategy to foster resilient communities and contribute to lasting peace and justice in society.

Plan International Canada’s Chief Programs Officer, Tanjina Mirza, reassured the collective commitment to nurturing children’s rights and advancing gender justice. She stressed the need for systematic measurement of intersectional gender equality outcomes in education, particularly during emergencies, to drive essential, transformative changes that empower broader communities.

It is sobering to realize that by 2030, only one in three girls in countries affected by crises is predicted to complete secondary school, highlighting the critical gap that these grants aim to address. In humanitarian contexts, an estimated 70% of women encounter gender-based violence, starkly contrasting with the 35% encountered globally.

Education Cannot Wait's mission reflects a profound commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, especially in turbulent times when their educational rights are most at risk. This initiative not only tackles immediate educational barriers for girls but also represents a significant investment in their futures, intended to foster a more equitable and just world.

As ECW continues to collaborate with various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and private donors, it seeks to expand its reach and efforts in supporting more vulnerable children and adolescents. For further information and updates, follow ECW on social media or visit their official website.

In Conclusion

The recent grants provided by Education Cannot Wait underline a pivotal commitment to gender equality in education during emergencies. Addressing educational disparities ensures that young girls in crisis settings have the opportunity to reclaim their rights and nurture their potential, which is vital for building resilient communities worldwide.