International Day of the Girl (IDG) is an annual reminder of the critical role young girls play in shaping a better future. This year’s theme focuses on “Keep Girls in School and End Child Marriage”—a call to action to ensure that girls around the world receive the education they deserve and are free from the injustices of early marriage.
Across sub-Saharan Africa, millions of girls face barriers to education due to poverty, cultural norms, and gender discrimination. Many are forced into early marriages, cutting short their childhoods and limiting their future opportunities. Education is a powerful tool to break this cycle, providing girls with the knowledge and skills to build sustainable livelihoods.
Empowering Girls through Education and Rights Awareness
At Crossroads International, we work closely with local partners to implement impactful projects across several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Through our Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) and Gender Equality Fund initiatives, we provide critical resources for girls’ education and economic empowerment while addressing harmful cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
Highlights from the Field
- Tanzania: In collaboration with NAFGEM (Network Against Female Genital Mutilatoon), 625 women have been trained on women’s rights, sexual and reproductive health, and alternative livelihoods. This initiative also provided former cutters with materials like Maasai beads and fabrics to establish small businesses, supporting their communities while fighting against FGM.
- Togo: Partnering with the Centre de Formation en Conception et Informatique (CEFCI), 975 girls and young women were educated on menstrual hygiene and sexual and reproductive health. They received reusable sanitary products, reducing school absenteeism and contributing to improved health outcomes.
- Burkina Faso: Volunteers led workshops on the socio-economic impact of volunteering. These sessions connected local leaders and government officials, promoting community engagement and gender equality.
Voices of Change: Stories from Our Partners
NAFGEM Tanzania: A Lifeline for Girls
One of the most inspiring stories comes from NAFGEM, an organization committed to eradicating FGM in Tanzania. Through partnerships with Crossroads, NAFGEM has provided crucial training and support to former excisors, empowering them with alternative livelihoods. Here’s a glimpse of their success:
“I used to perform FGM, but through the training I received, I understood the harm I was causing. Now, I make traditional Maasai fabrics and beadwork, which I sell to support my family. I am proud to say I no longer harm girls.”
This success story shows how education and training can offer sustainable alternatives, helping women abandon harmful practices and support their families through ethical means.
Global numbers on Girls’ Education and Early Marriage
- 129 million girls worldwide are out of school, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest number.
- In countries like Tanzania, 36% of girls are married before the age of 18, limiting their access to education.
- Every additional year of schooling reduces child marriage rates by 6%.
Our Collective Efforts
Crossroads International’s volunteer projects, like the Gender Equality Innovation Fund (GEIF) programs in Togo, have been crucial in promoting education for girls. Initiatives like Girls’ Empowerment Clubs and Boys for Change educate both girls and boys on gender equality, human rights, and the importance of education.
SUPPORT GIRLS’ RIGHTS TODAY AND EVERY DAY
As we celebrate International Day of the Girl, we invite you to join us in advocating for gender equality. Together, we can break down barriers, keep girls in school, and end child marriage. Let’s create a world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive.
Help Us Make a Difference
Support our programs by donating or volunteering. Your contribution will help provide education and resources to girls across sub-Saharan Africa.
