“Education is education and it’s the right of every human being.” – Malala Yousafzai 

At age 15, Malala Yousafzai became an international symbol for all girls who wish to receive an education. Outspoken on the topic since childhood, Malala was shot in the head while walking home from school by a member of the Pakistani Taliban, which had banned education for girls. Malala survived the attack, recovered, and became revered worldwide as an activist and author. She was awarded the Nobel Prize for her efforts at 17 and is still the youngest person to receive that recognition. 

Malala’s story may not be typical, but it illustrates how immense the barriers to equal access to education are and what girls can achieve despite these challenges. It also reminds us that education is essential if girls are to enjoy healthy, independent, confident, and rewarding lives. 

Here we’ll explore initiatives that seek to empower girls within the United States and beyond through educational access and support.  

Initiatives Promoting Gender Equality in Education 

Governmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), nonprofits, and other types of groups have taken steps toward advancing gender equality in education. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Malala herself is leading the charge with the Malala Fund. Below are some of the ways organizations and individuals are currently supporting or can support these efforts. 

Legislating Against Gender-Based Discrimination 

Signed into law in the U.S. in 1972, Title IX prohibits gender-based exclusion or discrimination against anyone who participates in a federally funded educational program or activity. It also gives girls access to school-related athletic and sports programs.  

More targeted federal legislative efforts—including the Keeping Girls in School Act, which would see the U.S. leading international efforts at expanding educational access for girls—have been proposed in recent years but have yet to become law. 

Making Education Safer  

Organizations from the World Bank to the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) are providing advocacy and resources to help reduce gender-based violence: a social norm that inhibits girls’ school participation in many Sub-Saharan African countries and elsewhere. 

Improving Teacher Training  

The Gender-Responsive Pedagogy for Early Childhood Education Toolkit, issued by UNGEI, centers on helping teachers integrate gender equality into their pedagogy to overcome cultural and gender biases and norms and ensure girls and boys are treated and supported equally in the classroom. 

Designating Scholarships 

While the U.S. provides free primary and secondary education for all, the same is not true worldwide. In Nigeria, where poverty is rampant and school comes at a cost beyond the means of many, some parents are prioritizing the education of their sons at the expense of their daughters. To combat this, the Nigerian government has introduced the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), which provides scholarships to offset financial barriers and other obstacles.  

Leading Community Outreach and Awareness Efforts 

In rural African communities, the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) works with community leaders, educators, and families to identify girls in need of education and mentorship. The organization then provides monetary and social support for both. Other outreach efforts help girls in rural areas by assessing their needs through interviews, surveys, and focus groups; offering access to resources; helping connect girls through clubs and support groups; and involving the broader community, including boys and men, to help them understand the value of educating girls. 

Meeting Girls’ Personal Needs  

Studies have shown that providing feminine care products at school can improve girls’ attendance. In some cases, cost, stigma, and/or unpredictable menstrual cycles prevent girls and young women from having these products when needed. As of this writing, 25 states and the District of Columbia have enshrined free access to period products in schools in their lawbooks. 

Offering Programs Online 

Distance learning programs enable girls living in rural, remote, and underserved areas to access the same high-quality education programs as other children while removing travel and associated cost burdens. 

UTPB Specializes in Making Education Accessible 

The University of Texas Permian Basin is doing its part to make higher education accessible to all. Our 40+ online degree and certificate programs empower students to earn an educational credential at their own pace from virtually any corner of the globe. We designed our programs to accommodate professional and personal obligations, because we understand that our students have lives outside of school.  

Greater than 60% of current UTPB students are women, and we’re honored to be able to help them and all our students achieve their higher education goals. Elevate your own potential as a teacher or education leader, renewable energy champion, business or government leader, nurse, or other essential profession, and inspire girls to do the same. These programs can provide the foundation: 

We welcome the opportunity to discuss any of our online programs with you! Just click on any program link above and look for “Request More Information.” 

Ready to apply? Get started here.