Nairobi: The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has launched a nationwide study on the challenges facing girls’ education in marginalized communities. The commission aims to generate evidence on barriers affecting enrollment, retention, and learning, with the goal of formulating a guiding policy and resource allocation strategy to address these challenges.

According to Kenya News Agency, NGEC chairperson Rehema Jaldesa emphasized the importance of the study during its launch, highlighting that it comes at a crucial time as schools reopen for the third term. “The third term is a critical moment, especially for candidates preparing for national examinations, and the schools must provide a safe and supportive environment for all learners,” Jaldesa stated.

A team of officials from NGEC is currently touring nine out of ten wards in Isiolo County to gather facts on the learning conditions of girls in remote areas. Challenges such as insecurity, lack of water, and the absence of female teachers and mentors are prevalent, leading to issues like early pregnancy and marriages that disrupt girls’ education.

Isiolo County Director of Education Caroline Mugo praised NGEC’s initiative and expressed the Education Ministry’s commitment to partnering with the commission. Mugo noted that the ministry is dedicated to providing free primary and secondary education, aiming to increase and retain the number of girls in learning institutions in remote regions.

“We have implemented entry and re-entry policies for girls who have dropped out of school. We have been able to move them out of the villages and are working to bring them back to school,” Mugo remarked. She called on the county government, parents, and teachers to collaborate in overcoming cultural barriers that hinder girls’ education.