Female Education in Conflict Zones

Some 28.5 million children in conflict zones globally are prevented from having access to Education. (UN 2013 figures)

More than half of this population are girls.

The UN in 2012 launched an initiative; "Global Education First."
It was targeted at solving the under  prioritization of education in times of conflict. Which is often seen in the low funds allocated to education in conflict zones.

A mere 1.4 percent of humanitarian aid is spent on Education.

Anthony Lake; UNICEF Executive Director has said that :
"Education should never be a casualty of crisis…or a cost of conflict,"  "Education cannot wait for battles to end…or disasters to be averted… or funding to be available. Education cannot wait…because children cannot wait."


In times of conflict survival, security, food and some form of shelter is usually prioritized above all else.
Education becomes of little priority.

During wars it takes sheer will power and a strong determination by the parents and the government to keep the schools from closing down.
Try as they may, this often is not the case, especially when the lives of the pupils/students become threatened by going to or being in school.
Schools are meant to be safe havens, deliberately avoided by attacks and bombs.

However, this is not always so. In recent times thousands of schools have been attacked and in some cases are occupied by military personnel. Children have been caught in the middle of this chaos and massacred enmasse.

What chances does a girl in these regions have to access Education?

Very slim chances right?

The female child in some cultures is to be seen and not heard and right from birth she is being groomed for marriage and her education usually is of little concern.
So in times of conflict, her education is first and foremost not priority and easily stops.

In some cultures and religions a girl can only attend school if the teachers are women, or it is a girl's only school. Hence in the chaos that follows conflicts and wars, the system is disorganized and very few schools are open. The men are usually more in charge of the few open schools at this time, hence many girls are prevented from attending school.

Way Forward:

The protection of students and pupils in schools as well as their teachers and school workers should be prioritized.
The use of schools for military purposes should be stopped and attacks against schools should be duly treated as a violation of human rights.

Education should be incorporated into the evacuation plans during conflicts and should be duly funded.
It should not just be an after thought.

Education is the solution to many of the challenges being faced in local communities today.
When it is truncated during a war, the loss is immense and immeasurable as it has long lasting economic, social and political impacts.

Female education is a human right and the girl child should not be denied of it.
Putting structures in place to continue education in conflict zones will make more parents release their girls to go to school.
Let's bridge the gender based educational gap today by helping more girls in conflict zones attend school.