She Belongs in School

This project aims to support the empowerment and learning outcomes of adolescent girls between the ages of 10 and 19. This project addresses the underlying harmful and discriminatory norms practices and behaviours that act as key gender barriers to girls’ access to school and learning and to realizing their right to education. This project also works to engage mobilize and build the capacity at the individual household community and institutional level including within schools to promote the adoption of positive behaviours to improve educational opportunities for girls and women. Project activities include: (1) organizing mentorship programs for girls to improve their academic and life skills to help them progress with their studies and schooling; (2) conducting dialogue sessions with community influencers and gatekeepers to discuss and address gender issues; (3) organizing community education fairs promoting positive messaging and information for girls' education; (4) providing material and financial support (based on school attendance) on a pilot basis and implemented for girls and their families; (5) providing teacher development programs that focus on strengthening skills with a focus on human and gender rights; and (6) implementing school improvement plans with a focus on safety water and sanitation and inclusion. The project’s primary beneficiaries are adolescent girls between the ages of 10 and 19 both in and out-of-school with a particular focus on girls facing intersectional discrimination (such as those living in extreme poverty in remote locations or with disabilities).

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved behaviours and practices among families husbands and communities including religious leaders that promote and support women’s and girls’ rights particularly with regard to education; (2) increased self-belief decision-making and leadership exercised by adolescent girls to pursue their education; and (3) enhanced provision of safe and supportive learning environments that build the skills and competencies of adolescent girls and are responsive to their specific needs.