Girls and young women, more than men and boys, lack access to financial capital and have limited opportunities to gain quality education, knowledge, and skills that can lead to economic advancement. Inadequate policy frameworks and inequitable gender norms also often create barriers to girls' economic advancement.
A lot of girls aren't at school today. They are shut out of education because of discrimination, poverty, household chores and culture. But too often they are treated as second-class. They are exploited, abused and simply disregarded.
Consequences of girls dropping out of school prematurely are severe. A World Bank report estimates the losses in lifetime productivity and earnings for girls of not completing 12 years of education at $15 trillion to $30 trillion dollars globally. This is because on average, women with secondary education and attain some skills earn twice as much as those with no education, while the gains from primary education are much smaller.
Cognizant of the fact that universal education as well as provision of skills to girls provides many other significant advantages Malawi Girl Guides Association has been championing for the advancement of the girl child through the various activities enshrined in Girl Guiding principles.
According the National Coordinator for Malawi Girl Guides Association Mphatso Baluwa-Jimu empowering girls through various initiatives including the provision of safe spaces and an enabling conducive environment for girls flourish and to acquire skills has prospective benefits.
“The effect of investing in girls cannot be understated, as the education of girls brings advantages for societies that go further than education. Educating girls leads to better maternal health, higher life expectancy and active participation in the socio-economic aspects of society. Educated women are less likely to marry early and more likely to have healthier families,” Said Jimu.
Through life skills education and mentorship programs girls have been able to stand out and speak for themselves. Through Girl Guiding methods, we have influenced positively a lot of girls, we call these living results.
A lot of girls aren't at school today. They are shut out of education because of discrimination, poverty, household chores and culture. But too often they are treated as second-class. They are exploited, abused and simply disregarded.
Consequences of girls dropping out of school prematurely are severe. A World Bank report estimates the losses in lifetime productivity and earnings for girls of not completing 12 years of education at $15 trillion to $30 trillion dollars globally. This is because on average, women with secondary education and attain some skills earn twice as much as those with no education, while the gains from primary education are much smaller.
Cognizant of the fact that universal education as well as provision of skills to girls provides many other significant advantages Malawi Girl Guides Association has been championing for the advancement of the girl child through the various activities enshrined in Girl Guiding principles.
According the National Coordinator for Malawi Girl Guides Association Mphatso Baluwa-Jimu empowering girls through various initiatives including the provision of safe spaces and an enabling conducive environment for girls flourish and to acquire skills has prospective benefits.
“The effect of investing in girls cannot be understated, as the education of girls brings advantages for societies that go further than education. Educating girls leads to better maternal health, higher life expectancy and active participation in the socio-economic aspects of society. Educated women are less likely to marry early and more likely to have healthier families,” Said Jimu.
Through life skills education and mentorship programs girls have been able to stand out and speak for themselves. Through Girl Guiding methods, we have influenced positively a lot of girls, we call these living results.
Memory Chowawa at World Association of Girl Guides and Girl scouts Headquarters in London
Memory Chowawa (2nd from right) at World Association of Girl Guides and Girl scouts Headquarters in LondonMemory Chowawa aged 35, comes from Ntchisi. She recalls that she joined Girl Guiding when she was in primary school. She says she continued to be part of the girl guides when she was at secondary school.
“There are a number of achievements that I can point out. To begin with, I served on the board for the association for two terms of three years. After, this I was elected into the board for the Africa Region where I served for two terms of three years”.
During her tenure of office in the organization she managed to woo a good number of young women from different professions into theassociation and some of them that she mentored are currently holding positions in the board.
“Through this group a great number of young women participate in international events. These kind of opportunities grants them the needed exposure which helps in their various endeavors. The main challenge that we face when motivating girls is that most girls do not believe in themselves as such to convince them to change such a mind set isnot easy” states Chowawa..
In the rural areas, she observes, there are not enough models who are locally available to inspire young girls. Most young girls often fall into the trap of believing that it’s impossible for them to make it in life. Some girls are not ambitious enough such that they take marriage as an achievement. Against the odds Memory was able to navigate the path most girls only attempt. Thanks to girl guiding;
“I have a Bachelor of education Degree from the Polytechnic. I also have a Diploma in Banking from Institute of Bankers in Malawi. Currently, I am finalizing my thesis for the Masters of Business Administration at the Polytechnic also. Currently, I am working with Nedbank in the International trade Department.
My message to other girl is that as a woman you have all what it takes to make it in life. All you need is to be focused, know what you want and be impervious. Do not be distracted with issues of life,”Says Chowawa.
Jennifer Sanni- Role Model and Mentor
Jennifer Sanni- Role Model and Mentor (file photo UNFPA)
Riding to School-File photo UNFPA Yamikani Chilima a student at the University of Malawi, the Polytechnic
P.O Box 1264, Lilongwe, Malawi,