UNICEF Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Girls' Education in Ghana

Accra, Ghana - 09 March, 2025 - Ghana's efforts to promote girls' education are facing significant challenges, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Despite progress in recent years, entrenched sociocultural practices continue to hinder women's progress in society.

Speaking at the 2025 Women's Dialogue in Accra, UNICEF's Deputy Representative of Operations, Anne Kariuki, warned that one in six girls in Ghana gets married before the age of 18, while rising cases of teenage pregnancies pose a significant threat to girls' education and future prospects.

“When a girl is denied education, safety, and opportunities, the entire nation suffers. When the obstacles are significant, so are the solutions. The future of Ghana can be transformed through a steadfast commitment to investing in girls and young women,'' she stated.

UNICEF is urging policymakers and stakeholders to implement policies that keep girls in school, especially those at risk of dropping out due to pregnancy and economic hardship. The organization is also advocating for robust education programs that challenge gender stereotypes in career choices.

“We must implement policies to keep girls in school, especially those at risk of dropping out due to pregnancy and economic hardship. We must promote robust systems and education programs for girls, challenging gender stereotypes in career choices. We must ensure a safe school environment, free from violence, harassment, and discrimination. 

Furthermore, UNICEF is calling for safe school environments, free from violence, harassment, and discrimination. The organization believes that investing in technical and vocational education for young women, providing them with marketable skills, is crucial for their future prospects.

'' Additionally, we must invest in technical and vocational education for young women and provide them with marketable skills'', she remarked.

In addition, UNICEF recommends offering financial literacy programs and entrepreneurship support to foster self-reliance among women. The organization also emphasizes the need for equitable access to job opportunities, including in traditionally male-dominated industries.

“We must offer financial literacy programs and entrepreneurship support to foster self-reliance among women. We must also ensure equitable access to job opportunities, including in traditionally male-dominated industries,'' Anne Kariuki concluded.

As Ghana marks International Women's Day, UNICEF's call to action highlights the urgent need for policymakers, private stakeholders, and civil society to work together to address the complex challenges facing girls' education in the country.

Source: Lead News Online