The data is clear: The best place for a girl to spend her time is in school.
For every additional year a girl can stay in school, her chances of getting pregnant drop by 6% — and her earning potential as an adult soars by 20%.
On average, educated girls:
- are less likely to be abused or face discrimination
- marry later
- are less likely to die in childbirth
- raise healthier, better educated children
- earn more and contribute more to the economy.
But around the world, there are approximately 122 million girls who are not in school.
There are many barriers to a girl’s education including cultural attitudes toward girls, child marriage and pregnancy, disabilities, distance to school and violence.
Poverty is by far the largest barrier to education. Poor parents feel the financial burden twice: first in the cost of school fees, uniforms and supplies, and second in the loss of income when their daughter attends school instead of working.
Why cash?
Our research consistently shows cash assistance can significantly increase school enrollment.
We give monthly cash assistance to families to help offset school-related expenses, including the loss of income when a girl attends school instead of working.
The cash is conditional, meaning that for the family to receive it, the child must be regularly in class.
Evidence consistently shows that when families receive cash, school and education are among their highest spending priorities.