Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) has renewed its push for gender equity in classrooms across Oyo State, using its flagship Getting Girls Equal (GGE) program to spotlight the urgent need for education reforms that benefit girls.
In a Facebook post shared on the organization’s official page, AREAi detailed outcomes from a recent consultative session involving girl representatives from 30 secondary schools across the state’s three senatorial districts. The session gave the girls a platform to openly express concerns about the persistent gender disparities affecting their access to quality education.
According to the post, several girls shared compelling stories of how deeply rooted cultural norms, gender bias in classrooms, and policy neglect have limited their chances of staying in school and thriving.
“The revealing perspectives from these girls are a stark reminder of the importance of gender equity and a wake-up call to all parties involved—parents, stakeholders, and most importantly, policy makers,” the post read.
AREAi’s Getting Girls Equal initiative takes a holistic approach to tackling gender inequality in education by advocating for policy reforms, public sensitization, and improved school systems. The organization is urging the Oyo State Government, particularly the Ministry of Education, to ensure inclusive policies that guarantee equal access to education for all students, regardless of gender.
Over the years, the group has been at the forefront of efforts to shift public perception and policy on girls’ education, stating that any sustainable progress in education must include deliberate steps to dismantle long-standing societal barriers.
“We call on the government to implement improved policy frameworks that will have long-lasting effects on girl-child education,” the statement concluded.
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