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The report was released around the fourth anniversary of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, following the country’s recapture after the US and allied forces’ withdrawal in 2021.
The situation is particularly concerning when compared to boys, with 15 million girls versus 10 million boys out of primary school, according to the UN report. (Representative/File Photo)
A recent report by UN Women revealed that 15 million primary-age girls worldwide are out of school due to systemic gender discrimination, which impedes their access to education. Despite advancements in recent decades, including near gender parity in primary and secondary school enrolment rates on average, significant disparities persist in many regions. In some areas, as many as 48.1 per cent of girls are not attending school.
The situation is particularly concerning when compared to boys, with 15 million girls versus 10 million boys out of primary school, according to the report.
The report also highlights that more girls are attending school than ever before. Additionally, each extra year of education beyond the primary level greatly enhances a girl’s prospects of avoiding early marriage, securing employment, and attaining better health and overall well-being.
However, adolescent girls continue to face barriers to education, with many dropping out of secondary school due to early pregnancy and expectations to assist with domestic responsibilities, according to ANI.
“More girls than ever before are going to school. Not only do they learn to read and write, but each year that they remain in school after the primary level reduces their chance of marrying at too young an age. It increases their prospects for employment, health and overall well-being. Girls and women have an equal right to a quality education and learning throughout all phases of their lives,” the report read.
“Despite progress, as many as 48.1 per cent of girls remain out of school in some regions. Gender gaps in primary and secondary enrolment rates have nearly closed, on average. Yet 15 million girls are not in primary school right now, compared to 10 million boys. In adolescence, higher numbers of girls often drop out of secondary school for reasons including early pregnancy and the expectation that they should contribute to household work,” it added.
The United Nations in a post on X also highlighted that matter, stating, “Education is a human right. Yet, young women & girls continue to face discrimination & marginalisation in many countries, including unequal access to school.”
The report was released around the fourth anniversary of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, following the country’s recapture after the US and allied forces’ withdrawal in 2021.
UN Women reported that 78 per cent of young Afghan women are not in education, employment, or training, nearly four times the rate for young men. The report also projected that by 2026, early childbearing will rise by 45 per cent, and maternal mortality could increase by more than 50 per cent.
Additionally, it highlighted that denying girls a secondary education will cost Afghanistan 2.5 per cent of its GDP every year.
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