International Day of the Girl: Technology for the African Girl
The International Day of the Girl child recognises the unique challenges facing girls around the world and emphasises the importance of education. The UN encourages member states to make the right to education a moral obligation. It is not unusual for Africans to be the poster girl for suffering and poverty but we do we really need International organisations to us tell the benefits of educating our girls? If Africa is to take its rightful place on the world stage then educating girls is no longer a leisurely choice, it is a mandatory requirement. This year’s theme is Innovating for Girls Education and Africa has to get smarter in delivering quality education. Many girls still do not receive education and a good proportion of those that do receive education that is not fit purpose. The UN provides some suggestions on how these problems can be addressed but with all these initiatives we need to find answers that solve our specific problems.
- How Can Africa get creative and innovate to improve girls’ education?
Governments remain the most powerful institutions that are able to effect change in Africa and they need to lead on this by implementing robust policies. However they cannot do it all. Although funding is required, spending large amounts of money will not necessarily solve the problem. In addition to having the political will, civil society organisations and corporations have to be fully engaged so that strategic partnerships can be formed. Pooling resources for mutual benefit is the way forward. Finding solutions that work should be priority and should be visible in government policies, political party manifestos, corporate social responsibility and mission statements in relevant civil society organisations. It is time to rethink the approach to international aid and redefine requirements. Africa needs to move towards self-sufficiency. Sharing and delivering knowledge and skills should be the primary focus. Instead of collecting large donations to build more substandard schools it is worth considering whether volunteers to run teacher-training programmes are more useful.
- What do we need to do?
Free and mandatory primary education for every child
Governments should strive to roll out free and compulsory primary education. Attitudes need to be changed at the core foundations. Successfully implementing this would begin to establish the literacy for all as a normal occurrence and set the stage for future generations. Significant improvements have been made in educating females but there are still huge gaps. Affordability and scarce resources are challenges that need to be overcome. However primary education is the least costly of all the improvements that need to be made. It is not impossible to provide free basic education. There are already standalone charities and non-governmental organisations that deliver small improvements but they work in silos. Coordinating these efforts will yield results without a great amount of additional investment. Good quality research and project plans already exist, but what Africa needs most is project managers to implement them.
Improve technology in secondary and tertiary institutions
Globalisation has made it necessary to catch up and keep up to date on technology. Today, literacy is incomplete without basic technology. At the very least, basic science and technology courses should be introduced into schools. The Internet has transformed the delivery of education. Location is no longer a barrier and eLearning is a cost effective option that is still under utilised. In addition, information is more accessible and the demand is for the application of knowledge rather than its reproduction. Taking advantage of these developments would improve the overall quality of education as well as increase chances of employment in a competitive environment. We also need technology for Africa’s development. Corporations and businesses have resources that can be utilised cost effectively. Innovative programmes that are mutually beneficial to stakeholders should be developed to share technology. These could be apprenticeships, internships or even simple mentoring programs.
Inclusion of positive gender messages in school curricula
Gender equality and human rights education could be a vehicle to change traditionally entrenched attitudes that prevent progress as well as promote those that enrich our culture and identity. Preventive education should be introduced. These include making young people aware of their specific rights and responsibilities, and teaching them how to recognise risk and seek appropriate help. Strategic partnerships between relevant ministries, civil society organisations and educational institutions are required.
- Why should we innovate for Girls Education?
There is overwhelming evidence to show societies that invest in girls’ education are more developed, more democratic and more progressive than those that don’t. Educating girls can transform societies. Potential benefits include lower maternal and infant mortality rates, reduction in poverty, economic growth and better quality of life. The Barefoot College project, which trained women to be solar engineers, is an example of how training women in technology can improve their lives as well as their communities. Extending this type of initiative to younger girls would only increase the impact. Innovative Nigerian schoolgirls made a urine-powered generator. Effective waste management, and sustainable energy remain challenges for Africa. It is time we began to look inwards for our solutions rather than depending on aid. The African woman is quite often the symbol of deprivation and suffering for women. In the West, technology impacts every aspect of life from housework to earning a living. Quality of life is enhanced by technology. Africa is in a unique position as it can learn from the mistakes of the West. There is an opportunity to find solutions that are sustainable, environmentally friendly and complimentary to our lifestyle and culture. Young African girls already show promise. They just need opportunities and resources to fulfil their potential.
Finally, what happens if we don’t? Whatever alternative we find will continue to lag behind the rest of the world instead of taking the big leaps towards that are possible. The success of any initiative can only be enhanced by the involvement of women and the best place to start is with the girl. Africa simply cannot afford to deny girls access to education and enhance their knowledge of technology. – By Khadi Mansaray
Khadi Mansaray is a chartered accountant, writer and journalist. She has written several articles on gender issues and produces and hosts of Voices from the Diaspora Radio.
