Newswise — Geneva, Switzerland, 03 June 2014 - On International Day of the Child on 1 June, the International Federation of University Women (IFUW) called on governments to establish infrastructures, practices and incentives to enable all girls to transition from primary to secondary school.
The out of school rate for teenage girls in lower secondary school in 2012 was 22.4% in Lebanon, 12.5% in Mexico and 58% in Pakistan.
“Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to discrimination and violence in education and this can hinder their transition to secondary school,” said IFUW President Catherine Bell. “If governments want to end poverty, then they must ensure that teenage girls complete their secondary education.”
In Ghana and Malawi, the reduction or elimination of school fees saw a dramatic increase in enrolment of girl students. In Bangladesh, a government programme provides tuition stipends, teacher training and provision of water and sanitation facilities. As a result, female secondary school enrollment in Bangladesh rose almost 400% from 1.1 million in 1991 to 3.9 million in 2005.
IFUW urges targeted interventions from governments to increase girls’ enrolment and completion of secondary school. As part of these measures, IFUW advocates for an end to secondary school fees for girls, safe transport to and from school, security and fencing around schools and private sanitation facilities for girls at school.
The International Federation of University Women (IFUW) is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1919, IFUW is the leading girls’ and women’s global organisation advocating for women’s rights, equality and empowerment through access to quality education and training up to the highest levels. IFUW is in special consultative status with ECOSOC and is an NGO maintaining official relations with UNESCO. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (@IFUWomen)
For more information please contact: Nina Joyce, T: +41 22 731 23 80; Email: [email protected]
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