Lack or little access to quality basic education could behind the proliferation of the social ills in South Africa of which women are the highest victims. What is encouraging, though, is that whilst there might be difference of opinions about several interventions there is some universal consensus that one of the effective solutions lies in sound education foundation in the development of the girl-child.
For this reason, it is important that the current “Take the girl-child to school campaign” which is awash in various media outlets should be translated into action, as a matter of urgency it must be said.
There is a saying that goes something along these lines: “You educate a woman you educate a nation.” And this almost certainly sums up the importance of every family to take their girl-children to school.
For South Africa, the importance of education in accelerating social and economic transformation does not need to be overstressed. Education is highlighted in the country’s National Development Programme (NDP) as a critical economic growth cornerstone. The education of girls in particular has even a higher significance.
Interestingly, in tandem with the country’s NDP programme, UNESCO says educating girls will have a huge positive impact on society. It lists the following among the factors that will be mitigated because of education:
- Educated women are less likely to die in childbirth;
- Education of girls can lead to fewer child deaths;
- Educating moms improves their children’s nutrition;
- Girls with higher levels of education are less likely to become pregnant under the age of 17;
- Education is the key to lower birth rates;
- Combating child marriages: educated girls are less likely to marry at a young age;
- Education narrows the pay gaps between men and women;
- Educated girls are more likely to find work.
Evidently, in order to effect gender equality, society has to do the right thing by educating girls. The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, hit the nail on the head with her observation: “A key role in building women’s capacity is good-quality education that encourages independent, critical thought, fosters self-confidence and provides young girls with a vision of their future.”
