By Ebi Kesiena
A new report by the Girl Child Network has revealed that one in every four girls who drop out of school in Kenya is likely to be married before turning 18.
This disturbing statistics was highlighted during a presentation marking the International Day of the Girl Child 2024, which also launched the Gender and Education Movement in Kenya. The findings brings renewed focus to the critical link between education and the prevention of child marriage.
Executive Director of Girl Child Network, Mercy Musomi noted that the education continues to maintain prominence in the life of every young girl, which will in turn lead delayed marriage and reduce health risks associated with early marriage.
“A girl who completes secondary school is six times less likely to marry young,” Musomi said.
Also, she explained that education not only empowers girls but also protects them from harmful cultural practices. Child marriage, which often results in girls dropping out of school, exposes them to economic hardships and increased vulnerability to HIV infection.
Musomi pointed out that education plays a pivotal role in protecting girls’ futures.
“When girls stay in school, they avoid the economic and health risks of getting married early. Education is one of the most effective ways to combat child marriage and the high rates of HIV that accompany it,” she said.
Musomi shared data showing that a girl with an additional year of schooling can earn up to 20% more as an adult. This increased earning potential empowers women economically and allows them to uplift their communities. “Educated mothers are more than twice as likely to send their children to school compared to uneducated mothers,” she added, illustrating the long-term benefits of investing in girls’ education.
However, Musomi stressed that education for girls cannot happen in isolation.
“Parents, school leaders, community leaders, and teachers also need to be educated on the benefits of enrolling and retaining girls in school,” she said.
She called for community-wide efforts to support girls’ education and keep them in school, emphasizing that collective action is necessary to break the cycle of early marriage.
This year’s theme for the International Day of the Girl Child, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” is a call to urgent action. The theme highlights the power of girls’ voices and their potential to shape a brighter future when given the tools and opportunities to succeed.
