Approximately 100 million women and girls in India have not completed their education up to class 10, according to Safeena Husain, the founder of Educate Girls, a non-profit organisation. Husain expresses concern that this alarming statistic is often overshadowed by the misconception that the issue of girls’ education has been resolved. She emphasises that the challenges remain substantial and ongoing.

Educate Girls has launched an initiative termed “10 by 10,” aiming to educate 100 million learners within a decade. This ambitious target highlights the urgency of addressing the educational disparities faced by girls in India.

Progress in Policy but Challenges Persist

When Educate Girls was established in 2007, the educational landscape was starkly different. The Right to Education (RTE) Act had not yet been enacted, nor were initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao in place. Many villages lacked access to schools, creating significant barriers to education. However, Husain notes that the RTE has made strides in improving access, with schools now located within a kilometre of most villages.

Despite these advancements in policy, changing societal beliefs poses a greater challenge. Husain recounts instances where educating a daughter is viewed unfavourably, with sentiments expressed that a girl is a liability rather than an asset. Such entrenched attitudes continue to hinder progress in girls’ education.

Educate Girls focuses on identifying and reaching what Husain refers to as “the last girl,” those who remain out of school. The organisation began its efforts by targeting districts identified by the Ministry of Education as having significant gender gaps in enrolment. They now employ a predictive model that indicates that five per cent of villages account for 40 per cent of out-of-school girls.

Comprehensive Educational Support Offered

Once a district is selected for intervention, Educate Girls recruits local volunteers, known as Team Balika, to conduct door-to-door surveys to identify out-of-school girls. To date, approximately 55,000 young individuals have joined this initiative, with about 70 per cent being male volunteers.

Re-enrolling girls in school is only the initial step. For children in classes three to five, Educate Girls provides lessons in English, Hindi, and mathematics, as Husain stresses the importance of foundational literacy and numeracy for sustained educational success. Additionally, girls who have aged out of the RTE Act’s coverage can participate in a second-chance programme, which prepares them for the class 10 examination through state open schooling.

Husain shares the story of an 18-year-old from the Bhil tribe who recently graduated after a long gap in her education due to marriage. Her determination exemplifies the resilience of many girls who strive for educational opportunities despite significant obstacles.

Advocacy for Girls’ Rights in Education

While many advocates highlight the broader societal benefits of educating girls, such as reduced child marriage rates and improved health outcomes, Husain insists on focusing on education as a fundamental right. She cautions against framing the argument solely in terms of economic returns, asserting that the primary motivation should be the rights of the girls themselves.

Husain recounts a story of a mother who excelled in her class 10 exam, outscoring her son, which has shifted the dynamics of respect within their household. Such instances underscore the importance of empowering women through education, as it enhances their voice and agency in family decisions.

Despite receiving numerous accolades for its work, Husain views these awards as a reminder of the ongoing challenges rather than a source of comfort. She acknowledges that the educational gap extends beyond school and affects workplace participation and societal engagement. The scale of the task ahead remains daunting, prompting calls for accelerated efforts to achieve the organisation’s goals.

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