Delivering On Girls’ Needs In Education: A Critical Path To Women’s Economic Empowerment

Education drives progress, yet millions of girls in Ni­geria still do not have the opportunity to learn.

Over 7.6 million girls are out of school at the basic education level, with nearly half in the northwest and northeast.

At the junior secondary level, 3.7 million girls remain out of school, and only 51% of those who enrol complete senior secondary educa­tion.

These are more than just num­bers — they present lost potential, deferred dreams and a nation fall­ing short of its full promise.

Educating girls isn’t just a mor­al obligation — it’s an economic necessity.

Studies show that failing to edu­cate girls’ costs countries between $15-30 trillion in lost productivity over a lifetime.

In Nigeria, where economic di­versification and inclusive growth are urgent priorities, investing in girls’ education is one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable development.

When girls complete 12 years of education, they make healthier choices, strengthen their commu­nities, enter the workforce, build businesses, and create wealth—di­rectly boosting Nigeria’s GDP and social stability.

Yet, systemic barriers continue to push girls out of school.

Gender-based violence, period poverty, financial constraints and early marriage limit not only their education but also their lifelong economic opportunities.

These challenges reinforce cy­cles of poverty and restrict Ni­geria’s ability to harness the full potential of its young population.

The Women’s Economic Em­powerment (WEE) Policy offers a critical opportunity to change this reality.

Designed to drive systemic re­forms, the policy prioritises edu­cation as a key pillar for gender equality. With gender-responsive and data-driven governance iden­tified as key cross-cutting accel­erators, the policy ensures that investments in education directly address the challenges girls face.

To turn this into tangible action, Gender Responsive Education Sec­tor Planning (GRESP) is impera­tive. GRESP is a tool that centers gender equality in policymaking and addresses challenges that keep girls from learning.

For GRESP to be truly effective, implementation is key.

Governments must fully inte­grate gender-responsive planning into national and state education strategies, allocate sufficient fund­ing and actively involve local or­ganisations and communities in decision-making.

GRESP provides a proven ap­proach to bridging the gap between gender equality commitments and real progress by ensuring that edu­cation policies and budgets direct­ly address the challenges girls face.

It goes beyond general educa­tion planning—integrating gender considerations at every stage, from policy design to implementation— to ensure that girls have equal op­portunities to access and complete their education.

One key aspect of GRESP is al­locating resources to meet girls’ specific needs.

This includes funding for men­strual hygiene products and sani­tation facilities like safe and clean toilets, so periods no longer cause girls to miss school.

It also involves investing in measures to prevent and address school-related gender-based vio­lence, such as training teachers on gender sensitivity, strength­ening mechanisms that help girls report cases of violence and mak­ing schools safer through better policies and infrastructure.

Another critical component is increasing the representation of female teachers, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). When girls see women in leadership and teaching roles, especially in male-dominated fields, they are more likely to envision themselves in similar careers.

Female teachers also play an important role in creating a more supportive learning environment for girls, helping to challenge harmful gender norms and encour­age academic ambition.

GRESP also emphasises safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments.

This includes creating policies that address discrimination, pro­mote gender-sensitive teaching practices and ensure that all stu­dents — regardless of gender — can thrive in the classroom.

Schools must provide adequate facilities, such as separate re­strooms for girls, and promote in­clusive curricula that challenge gender stereotypes and encour­age girls to pursue diverse career paths.

Malala Fund grantees are al­ready demonstrating the impact of GRESP in action. Bridge Connect is leading efforts in Kano state to push for gender-responsive educa­tion funding, advocating for trans­parency and accountability in the allocation of resources.

Their work ensures that girls’ education remains a priority in government budgets. In Adama­wa state, CATAI played a pivotal role in establishing the region’s first gender-responsive education policy.

This groundbreaking initia­tive prioritises mentorship pro­grammes, safer schools and gender-sensitive leadership — en­suring that education systems ac­tively support and uplift girls.

While civil society is making strides, government leadership and action are required to advance GRESP and ensure it generates lasting impact for girls’ education.

Most importantly, girls’ voices must be at the center of these ef­forts. Girls understand their own challenges better than anyone, and their insights should guide the policies, programmes and invest­ments that shape their education.

When we listen to and uplift girls, we create solutions that work — and a future where every girl can learn and choose her own future.

Nabila Aguele is a distinguished lawyer, public policy expert and ad­vocate for gender equality, current­ly serving as the Chief Executive for Nigeria at the Malala Fund.

With over 20 years of experience in law and public policy, Nabila is dedicated to improving girls’ ac­cess to education and empowering women across Nigeria.

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