MORE girls are dropping out of school compared to boys at secondary school level, while child pregnancies continue to dog Mashonaland Central and the Midlands provinces as they struggle to curb the scourge, according to Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) data.
At primary level, the proportion of children out of school is higher for males 3,8 % as compared to females 3,4 %. For lower secondary school level, the proportion was higher in females 11% compared to males 7,7 %.
The idyllic image of rural life often overlooks the harsh realities faced by its most vulnerable residents; girls.
Often relegated to the background, their struggles remain unseen and unheard.
Yet, the challenges they grapple with have profound effects, not just on their individual lives, but on the future of their communities.
One of the most significant unseen struggles is the lack of access to education.
In rural areas, schools are often scarce, and societal norms may prioritise education for boys.
This traps girls in a cycle of poverty.
Education empowers girls, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to break free from traditional gender roles and pursue their dreams. Without it, they are more likely to be restricted to domestic duties, limiting their economic opportunities and perpetuating the cycle of inequality.
The burden of household chores further hinders their education.
Girls often take on a disproportionate share of housework and childcare, leaving them with little time for studies.
Fetching water, cooking, and cleaning become daily responsibilities, stealing precious hours that could be spent learning.
This not only impacts their academic performance but also contributes to physical exhaustion and limited social interaction.
Early marriage is another prevalent issue.
Driven by poverty, cultural norms, or a desire for security, girls are often married off before reaching adulthood.
This not only denies them an education but also exposes them to the risks of early pregnancy, domestic violence, and limited physical and emotional wellbeing.
Child marriage has a ripple effect, impacting their health, hindering economic progress, and perpetuating the cycle of poverty for future generations.
Beyond these immediate challenges, the lack of access to sanitation facilities and proper menstrual hygiene management products creates a daily struggle for girls.
The absence of private toilets can lead to health concerns, while the lack of sanitary pads can force girls to miss school or resort to unhygienic practices.
This not only impacts their education, but also creates a sense of shame and isolation.
The effects of these unseen struggles are far-reaching.
Lower levels of education among girls translate to limited earning potential, hindering economic growth in rural areas.
Early marriage contributes to population growth and increases the burden on already strained resources.
Additionally, a lack of education makes girls more vulnerable to exploitation and limits their ability to advocate for themselves and their communities.
So, what are the solutions?
Firstly, prioritising girls' education is crucial. Governments, non-governmental organisations and communities need to work together to ensure equal access to quality education for all children, regardless of gender.
This includes building more schools in rural areas, providing transportation facilities, and offering scholarships and incentives for girls' education.
Secondly, promoting women's empowerment initiatives is essential.
This could involve skills training programs, microfinance loans, and leadership development workshops.
Equipping women with skills and resources empowers them to become financially independent, advocate for their daughters' education, and challenge traditional gender roles.
Thirdly, addressing sanitation and menstrual hygiene needs is vital.
Building proper sanitation facilities in schools and communities ensures girls' safety and dignity.
Additionally, providing access to affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene products fosters education continuity and improves their participation in daily activities.
Finally, raising awareness about child marriage and its consequences is crucial.
Community education programmes can challenge existing norms and empower families to recognise the importance of girls' education and well-being.
Legal measures enforcing minimum age for marriage can also serve as a deterrent.
Breaking the cycle of these unseen struggles requires a multi-pronged approach. By prioritizing education, empowering women, addressing sanitation, and tackling child marriage, we can pave the way for a brighter future for rural girls.
When girls are empowered, their voices are heard, and their potential is unleashed, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Rural communities thrive, economies prosper, and the path towards a more equitable and sustainable future becomes clearer.
Let us shine a light on the struggles of the rural girl child and work together to create a world where their dreams can take root and flourish.
*Gary Gerald Mtombeni is a journalist based in Harare. He writes here in his personal capacity. For feedback Email garymtombeni@gmail.com/ call — +263778861608