Young women are more likely to drop out of school than young men for a number of reasons. With limited education and resources, these young women struggle to find employment and may not be able to provide for themselves and their families. Here are a few more reasons why I think it’s important for girls to be educated.

It’s a basic human right

Education’s a basic human right, which means that girls and boys are equally deserving of access to quality education. When you’re educated, you’re better able to make informed decisions for yourself and your family.

Education exposes you to opportunities

When people are educated, they’re more likely to imagine a different life themselves. In other words, education helps girls to think more optimistically about their careers because they have access to relevant and helpful information. That’s why it’s important that girls have access to education so that they can be empowered to take opportunities that’ll help them build successful careers and rely on themselves for financial security.

Education is empowering

In some cases, women who aren’t educated and don’t make their own money, tend to find themselves in abusive relationships because their partner offers financial stability. That’s why I always encourage you to prioritise your educational and personal growth so that you don’t find yourself feeling trapped in a toxic or abusive relationship.

Allows one to make better life choices

Research shows that educated women make better lifestyle decisions. This means that they’re better able to take care of their reproductive health as well as their overall health. Education also plays a huge role in raising awareness about HIV and how it can be prevented.

Personal development

Education helps girls develop a view and opinion of the person they want to become. An educated girl can learn to define what’s important for her personal development and how to use her strengths to create a meaningful and fulfilling life for herself.

These are pretty cool reasons for women to get an education. So, if you’re in school, make sure that you take up every opportunity to learn and empower yourself. The effort and hard work that you put into your education today will help you in your future. You deserve a good education and no one – not even your partner – has the right to take that away from you.

Remember if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).