Increase Girls' Access to Education in Pakistan

Dear Pakistan Project Supporters,

We’re delighted to share the latest updates from Bedari’s Girls’ Education Project in District Chakwal, Pakistan, supported by Girls Education International.

From July to September 2025, your support continued to provide monthly transportation to girls in the villages of Begal, Marath, Chhabri, and Chabbar, ensuring that distance and safety never stand in the way of learning.

This quarter, 22 girls graduated after completing their Grade 10 matriculation exams and 24 new students joined. That brings the total number of girls supported to 65—43 in Grades 6–10 and 22 in Grades 11–12.

Beyond academics, we’ve seen beautiful growth in the girls’ confidence and collaboration. Group study circles have become common—as Zainab shared, "Some topics are very hard to understand alone, so now we sit together and solve problems. It feels good—we study and also share our feelings and challenges. It helps us emotionally and academically."

We also celebrated stories like Bisma’s, who, after losing her father at a young age, feared her education would end when her mother could no longer support her school fees. Her courage led her to reach out to Bedari—and today she proudly attends Government Degree College Bhagwal. “That was the beginning of a beautiful new journey,” she says.

The road isn't without challenges. During the peanut harvesting season, some girls' school attendance dropped as they joined their families in agricultural work. Yet, despite challenges like this one, Bedari reports that requests for educational support are on the rise—reminding us that every girl that goes to school is part of changing minds about the value of education. 

Your continued support helps turn determination into opportunity. Each contribution ensures that girls in rural Pakistan can stay in school, chase their dreams, and shape a brighter future for themselves and their families.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sidra Khan
Pakistan Partner Liaison
Girls Education International

Dear Pakistan Project Supporters,

As promised, we wanted to share more regular updates with you of the incredible work the team at Girls Ed and Bedari are able to do with your support. We are excited to share Manahil’s Story in conjunction with July Bonus Day. When you donate at least $100 between 10AM EST July 16 and 10 AM EST July 17, your donation will go further.  We’re using this window to raise funds for girls in Pakistan, girls with big dreams, facing barriers like cost, distance, and safety. 

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My name is Manahil, and I belong to a small village in Chakwal. I studied 9th and 10th grade with the support of Girls Education International through Bedari. After securing good marks in my matric exams, I insisted on continuing my education. Bedari supported me by covering all my expenses and I started my studies with great enthusiasm. I have always been passionate about studying and achieving something in life.

My parents belong to a poor family, where educating daughters is not considered a priority; instead, they are taught household chores and married off as early as possible. After my matriculation, my parents began discussions about my marriage with my cousin. When my uncle proposed the marriage, my father initially agreed to it. At that time, I had just enrolled in the 11th grade and my classes had begun. My uncle insisted that I should get married, promising to continue my education afterward and even get me a job as a government teacher.

My father, eager to fulfill his responsibilities as soon as possible, showed willingness to proceed with the marriage. When I learned about this, I explained to my parents that Bedari was covering all my educational expenses and reminded them of our agreement with Bedari, which stated that I would not get married until I turned 18 and completed my Higher Secondary School Certificate. I made it clear that if they tried to force me, I would report the matter to Bedari.

I then contacted Bedari’s representative using my aunt’s phone. That very evening, the Bedari representative, Madam, spoke to my father over the phone. She explained the importance of my education and informed him about the laws against child marriage. She also reminded my parents that Bedari had been bearing all my educational expenses and would continue to do so. Madam requested them to allow me to continue my studies without any pressure.

My father appreciated my determination and Madam’s explanation. He told my uncle that if they were willing to wait until I completed the 12th grade, he would consider the proposal. However, until then, he would neither agree to the marriage nor think about it. I am grateful to my father and Bedari for making me understand the harmful effects of child marriage and for supporting my decision. Today, I feel empowered to voice my opinions, and I am very happy. I sincerely thank my parents and Bedari for their unwavering support.

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Manahil’s story is truly inspiring—a testament to her determination and the unwavering support of Girls Ed through Bedari. It’s heartening to see how education can empower young women to take charge of their own futures. If only every girl had the same support and encouragement as Manahil! As we move forward, let’s strive to create more opportunities for girls to pursue their dreams and shape their own paths.

In a major step forward, Bedari’s years-long advocacy to raise the minimum age of marriage in Pakistan has led to a significant breakthrough. On May 30, 2025, Pakistan passed a landmark law banning child marriage in the Islamabad Capital Territory. The legislation sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 and imposes penalties on those who arrange or facilitate underage unions—establishing a powerful legal precedent for the rest of the country. This milestone reflects Bedari’s dual approach: driving policy change at the national level while working directly with communities on the ground to protect and empower girls.

Thank you for supporting girls like Manahil! Your continued support makes a world of difference.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and refreshing summer season!

Sincerely,
Sidra Khan
Pakistan Partner Liaison
Girls Education International