EDUCATION

The education of women and girls is widely recognized as a powerful tool to empower them within their family and society, and is considered a key pathway to employment and earning.
Early and forced marriage

Each additional year of schooling for girls improves their employment prospects, increases future earnings by about

10% and reduces infant mortality by up to 10%. Post-

primary education has far stronger positive effects on empowerment outcomes than primary education. Lack of access to sexual and reproductive health and rights acts as a significant barrier to post-primary education for girls. For example, early marriage reduces girls’ access to education, and anticipation of an early marriage often prevents secondary education for girls.

Strong links between FGM and early marriage. Girls who undergo forced marriage and female genital mutilation face harmful health consequences and reduced educational opportunities. Sexual and reproductive health policies should be combined with educational policies to address quality and equity, including social pressures such as stigma and peer pressure, as these impact keenly on young mothers and girls who have abortions, and may prevent their return to school.

Gender inequality around the world > Social > Education > Early and forced marriage

Education affected: Nepal

Early and forced marriage has terrible consequences for girls and young women. This film follows the story of Ashmita, a survivor of early marriage and forced to give up her education at a young age. She eventually completes her education, inspiring change within her community.

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Overview
    The face of poverty is female

    What is SRHR?
    Equal opportunities for all
Gender inequality around the world 
Social
    1. Health
    HIV
    Maternal health
    2. Education
    Early and forced marriage
    Discrimination against girls
    Comprehensive sexuality education
    3. Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Economic
    1. Unpaid care burdens
    2. Formal and informal markets
    3. Empowerment
Political
    1. Discrimination
    2. Changing social norms
    3. Peace building
IPPF’s recommendations: 6 steps for moving towards equality and sustainable development
    1. Laws that support sexual and reproductive health and rights
    2. Funding for sexual and reproductive health and rights
    3. Measure the outcomes that really matter
    4. Engage men and boys as partners in gender transformative change
    5. Laws to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence
    6. Strengthening political capacity of women at the grassroots level
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