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Potential Barriers to Girl Child Education in West Africa: A Multifaceted Analysis from Nigeria and Ivory Coast

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Vanderbilt University, Tennessee, USA
  • 2Penn State: The Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, USA

Int. Res. J. Social Sci., Volume 14, Issue (1), Pages 1-6, January,14 (2025)

Abstract

Access to quality education is a fundamental right and one of the sustainable development goals. Yet a million girls in West Africa cannot get access to education and many continue to face formidable barriers that impede their educational journey. This article will present a comprehensive analysis of potential barriers to girl child education in West Africa, recognizing the multifaceted nature of these challenges. The study will utilize documentary analysis as sources of information. It will also scrutinize factors including socio-economic constraints, cultural norms, infrastructure limitations, healthcare disparities, and policy-related issues. These elements collectively hinder girls’ access to and retention in education. By dissecting these intricate barriers, the research aims from a feminist perspective to provide a holistic understanding of the impediments faced by girls in West Africa. It integrates both feminist/gender perspectives and historical contexts to examine the involvement of girls in the educational system in both Nigeria and the Ivory Coast. The paper also contributes to the development of evidence-based policies and interventions to eliminate obstacles, promote gender equality, and facilitate socio-economic development in the region.

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