The Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and Adult Education developed a significant infographic about the impact of COVID-19 on education in Asia-Pacific, with a focus on girls’ education.
The pandemic has adversely affected education budgets in many countries in the region, and the effects on girls’ education have been particularly severe. There are three main areas of impact:
- Increased dropout rates: The pandemic has led to an increase in dropout rates among girls, as many families have been forced to withdraw their daughters from school due to financial constraints or to take on additional work.
- Increased risk of gender-based violence: The pandemic has also increased the risk of gender-based violence against girls, as they are spending more time at home, where they may be exposed to violence from family members or partners.
- Widening gender digital divide: The pandemic has also widened the gender digital divide, as girls are less likely to have access to computers and the internet than boys. This has made it more difficult for girls to continue their education during the pandemic.
To address the impact of COVID-19 on girls’ education in Asia-Pacific. Some of the specific actions that are needed include:
- Increasing funding for education in the region
- Providing targeted support to girls who are at risk of dropping out of school
- Addressing the root causes of gender-based violence
- Reducing the gender digital divide
There are three examples of good practices in how countries in the region have responded to the pandemic to keep girls in school. These are:
- Pakistan: The government of Pakistan launched a multi-pronged approach to address gender-based violence, including a helpline, partnerships with shelters and financial assistance institutions, and training for government staff on how to respond to GBV cases.
- Samoa: The Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture in Samoa organized radio and TV educational programs for out-of-school children, and partnered with a telecommunications company to provide students with internet access and an e-learning portal.
- Tajikistan: The government of Tajikistan introduced alternative distance learning methods through TV programs, radio channels, and recorded courses. They also held parent-teacher meetings to discuss emerging problems and other issues related to children’s education.
Calls to action: There are five specific actions that need to be taken to address the impact of COVID-19 on girls’ education in Asia-Pacific such as:
- Prioritize the development of comprehensive economic and social welfare policies along with increased funding dedicated to women’s empowerment and girls’ education.
- Design policies to retain girls in schools and develop long-term strategies to ensure they do not drop out.
- Provide technical and financial support to schools to help them identify at-risk girls and secure their return to school.
- Promote and implement prevention strategies to mitigate the effects of gender-based violence, including gender sensitivity and consciousness-raising in schools.
- Provide gender-equitable, inclusive, and accessible distance learning solutions to support all learners, including access to the internet, digital resources, and other tools for learning.
Download to read more: 3 Girls’ Education