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Aminata is the Program Coordinator at Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL). She shared her thoughts below on the challenges faced by University Girls in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone, a West African country rich in history and culture, has been striving towards rebuilding and developing after years of civil war, Ebola, and the Corona epidemic. Education has been a critical part of this rebuilding process but despite the progress made, university girls in Sierra Leone continue to face numerous challenges that have been hindering or hindered their academic success and personal development.
Financial Constraints
One of the most significant challenges for university girls in Sierra Leone is financial constraints. The cost of higher education is so massive including tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and daily expenses. In a country where the majority live below the poverty line, it's very difficult and the financial constraint of sending a child to university is immense. Girls, in particular, are often deprioritized when resources are scarce, as families may favor investing in the education of boys who are perceived to have better economic prospects than girls.
Gender-Based Violence and Harassment
Gender-based violence (GBV) and harassment are pervasive issues that affect a huge number of university girls in Sierra Leone. Female students often face sexual harassment and abuse from male peers and even faculty members. This harassment creates a hostile and unsafe learning environment, which can severely impact their academic performance and mental health
Cultural and Societal Expectations
Cultural and societal expectations place a big burden on university girls in Sierra Leone. Traditional gender roles often dictate that women prioritize domestic responsibilities and caregiving over their education. This expectation can lead to a situation where female students are juggling household duties, such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for siblings or elderly relatives, alongside their academic responsibilities.
Limited Access to Resources
Access to educational resources is a fundamental challenge for university girls in Sierra Leone. Many universities lack adequate libraries, research facilities, and technological infrastructure. This scarcity of resources disproportionately affects female students, who may already be disadvantaged by socio-economic factors. The lack of access to up-to-date textbooks, academic journals, and internet resources hinders the ability of female students to conduct research and complete assignments.
Health Issues
Health issues, particularly reproductive health, pose significant challenges for university girls. Many girls lack access to affordable healthcare services and menstrual hygiene products. This can lead to frequent absences from classes, as they may stay home during their menstrual periods due to a lack of proper sanitary facilities at universities. Moreover, there is often a stigma surrounding reproductive health discussions, preventing many girls from seeking the help they need.
Inadequate Support Systems
Support systems within universities in Sierra Leone are often inadequate to address the unique needs of female students. Counseling services, mentorship programs, and support groups for women are either insufficient or non-existent in many institutions. This lack of support leaves many girls without the necessary guidance and encouragement to navigate the challenges they face.
Empowering university girls in Sierra Leone is not only a matter of equity but also a crucial investment in the nation's future. By addressing the barriers they face, Sierra Leone can harness the full potential of its young women, fostering a more educated, prosperous, and equitable society.
We want to express our gratitude for your support, which continues to play a vital role in girls' education and in empowering young women with the resources they need.
If you have any questions, please email us at GlobalGiving@developafrica.org.
With warmest regards,
Amy and the Develop Africa Team
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