6 Facts about Girls Education in Nepal

6 Facts about Girls Education in Nepal

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 have control of their future and lead healthier lives. They have higher incomes, are equal participants, and build better futures for themselves and their families. They also strengthen economies and reduce inequality. We know that education for girls is about more than access to school. It is also important to tackle girls feeling safe and supported in classrooms, even if they are underrepresented in those classrooms. This is why not only do we focus on education, but we also focus on health and mentoring. Girls’ education worldwide and in Nepal specifically is very important because there are many cultural and structural obstacles in ensuring that girls can finish and receive an education. Here are 6 facts about girls’ education in Nepal that highlight the importance of our mission. 

1. Gender-separate bathrooms are only available in 1/3 of schools in Nepal. This deters some from attending school over concerns of modesty or, sometimes, an inability to follow religious guidelines that require separation of toilets.
2. About 25% of the population in Nepal lives on less than $1.25 per day. Even for families above that line, quality education can be prohibitively expensive. Gender bias means that, if faced with a terrible choice, parents tend to invest more money in the education of boys. 
3. As a result, 66% of men can read and write, while only 43% of females can.
4. In rural areas, more than 70% of girls have dropped out of school by age 16.
5. In rural areas, 2 in 5 girls are married by age 14. 41% of Nepali women between ages 20 and 24 are married before the age of 18. Child marriage is most prevalent among less educated, poor women. Improving female education may improve the childhood marriage rate.
6. 30% of girls are engaged in child labor.
   

It is a fact that girls who are not in school face a high risk for human trafficking, exploitative child labor, and early marriage. We believe education can prevent these injustices. Our girls exceed National Exam results by multiples every year and we are proud to be a part of the solution in improving equality for girls and women in Nepal and beyond.