[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/cover.jpg” background_position=”top_center” parallax=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header _builder_version=”3.0.89″ title=”HER TURN” subhead=”It’s time to make refugee girls’ education a priority” text_orientation=”left” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”on” image_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” content_orientation=”center” custom_button_one=”off” button_one_icon_placement=”right” custom_button_two=”off” button_two_icon_placement=”right” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”110″ title_font_size_phone=”60″ title_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” subhead_font_size=”38px” subhead_font_size_phone=”26px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” content_max_width=”500px” subhead_line_height=”1.1em” subhead_text_color=”#faeb00″ subhead_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size_tablet=”80″ title_line_height=”0.9″ \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Introduction” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” collapsed=”on” module_id=”introduction”][et_pb_row background_position_1=”top_left” background_position_2=”top_left” background_repeat_1=”no-repeat” background_repeat_2=”no-repeat” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”10px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n
Nur Kalima, 11, Rohingya refugee studying at a UNHCR-funded school in Kutupalong refugee settlement, Bangladesh. It is challenging for Rohingya girls to complete their education because of social pressures, early marriage and a lack of access to higher education. \u00a9 UNHCR\/Roger Arnold<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px” use_custom_width=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”intro” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”80″ header_font_size_tablet=”60″ header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size_phone=”36″ header_2_font=”|300|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone”]<\/p>\n
By Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px” custom_padding=”80px|||”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/intro-hc.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, visiting a repaired kindergarten in Luhansk, Ukraine.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Alina Cherkashina<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”intro” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”80″ header_font_size_tablet=”60″ header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size_phone=”36″ header_2_font=”|300|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”intro” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”80″ header_font_size_tablet=”60″ header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size_phone=”36″ header_2_font=”|300|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px”]<\/p>\n Limited access to schooling perpetuates and magnifies the challenges of life in exile \u2013 finding work, staying healthy, holding on to dignity and hope. It also limits the potential of refugee women and girls to rebuild their lives, protect themselves against abuse and take a lead in shaping the lives of their communities.<\/p>\n Without an education, refugee women and girls are denied the confidence to speak out \u2013 to contribute to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms around the world. Today\u2019s students are tomorrow\u2019s leaders. They are the ones who will help to foster peace and stability. They are the ones who will blaze trails for others to follow and set examples that future generations will seek to emulate. For the future security of their home countries, it is vital that refugee women and girls are given the keys of education to unlock their potential as leaders of peace.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/intro-1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Asma’a Adnan Saied, 23, Syrian refugee in Zaatari refugee camp, Jordan, studying English Literature at a university thanks to a DAFI scholarship (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative). [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Quote” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”light” quote_font_size=”36px”]<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have a brighter future. For me and my family. And for the next generation of Syrians.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Enabling refugee girls to get access to quality education requires action right across the board \u2013 from national education ministries and teacher training institutions, to communities and classrooms. This will not be easy: forced displacement has accelerated in recent years, straining facilities and infrastructure in countries that host refugees, many of which were already battling to provide adequate services to their own people. That\u2019s why we at UNHCR are calling for an international effort to turn the tide.<\/p>\n Refugee girls often have fewer opportunities than boys, but UNHCR and its partners have identified ways in which we can widen their access to education. We now need support to implement these strategies globally and redress the imbalance.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/intro-2.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Refugee children from Mali compete to catch their teacher’s attention in one of the six primary schools in Mbera refugee camp, Mauritania.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Helena Pes<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Good examples abound, and many countries are making changes to help more girls from both refugee and local communities attend school. Our task is to make sure this happens everywhere, and to help create stronger communities that unite to find solutions to shared challenges. We have found time and time again that measures to support refugee women and girls also have long-term benefits for the communities hosting refugees.<\/p>\n It is time for the international community to recognize the injustice of denying refugee girls and women an education. Please join us in demanding: \u201cIt\u2019s her turn\u201d. It\u2019s her turn to be equipped with the confidence of education. If you give her this chance, there is no limit to her potential.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_video _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/S98s7k074nQ” image_src=”\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/S98s7k074nQ\/hqdefault.jpg” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Rwanda: Best friends prove education is key for girls<\/a> (William Davies, producer-videographer)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/why-educate-1.jpg” background_position=”bottom_center” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” module_id=”why-educate”][et_pb_fullwidth_header _builder_version=”3.0.89″ title=”Why educate refugee girls?” text_orientation=”left” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”off” image_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” content_orientation=”center” custom_button_one=”off” button_one_icon_placement=”right” custom_button_two=”off” button_two_icon_placement=”right” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”80px” title_font_size_phone=”50″ title_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” subhead_font_size=”38px” subhead_font_size_phone=”26px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” content_max_width=”500px” subhead_line_height=”1.1em” subhead_text_color=”#faeb00″ title_font_size_tablet=”60px” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Why Educate” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row background_position_1=”top_left” background_position_2=”top_left” background_repeat_1=”no-repeat” background_repeat_2=”no-repeat” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”10px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n A young girl at school in Kot Chandna, a remote village in Pakistan hosting Afghan refugees.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Sara Farid<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”intro” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Ensuring that refugee girls gain access to education is crucial to their empowerment and to the future prosperity of their families and communities. If all refugee girls can get an education, their families and communities are more likely to improve their social and economic position. The higher the level of education they manage to attain, the greater these benefits could be.[1]<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n School means routine, normality, purpose, and time away from the pressures and burdens of refugee life \u2013 important for all girls and boys but in some cases especially so for girls, who are vulnerable to exploitation and to sexual and gender-based violence. By learning about their rights and how to claim them, refugees are empowered. Education strengthens their resilience in the face of the huge challenges that confront people who have been forced from their homes.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/why-educate-2.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Sumaiya Akter, 12, Rohingya refugee in Kutupalong refugee settlement, Bangladesh. \u00a9 UNHCR\/Roger Arnold<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Quote” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”light” quote_font_size=”36px”]<\/p>\n \u201cI come to school so that I can get a job and help educate orphan girls.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Education is also protective. It reduces girls\u2019 vulnerability to exploitation, sexual and gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy and child marriage. According to UNESCO, if all girls completed primary school, child marriage would fall by 14 per cent. If they all finished secondary school, it would plummet by 64 per cent.[2]<\/a> For refugee girls and women facing the increased risks that come with forced displacement, education is particularly important.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/why-educate-3.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n A young refugee girl taking her end of term exams at a school in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Samuel Otieno<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n UNESCO research shows that educated mothers are more likely to send their children to school, especially their daughters, and are more likely to support them in attaining a secondary and tertiary-level education. The further girls progress with their schooling, the more they develop leadership skills, entrepreneurship and self-reliance \u2013 personal qualities that will help their communities to flourish as they strive to adapt to their host countries or as they rebuild their own homes.[3]<\/a><\/p>\n Furthermore, UNESCO research shows that one additional year of school can increase a woman\u2019s earnings by up to a fifth.[4]<\/a> Such benefits are felt by everyone; in countries where education is equal for both sexes, per capita income is boosted by 23 per cent. A refugee girl\u2019s time in exile should be considered an opportunity to develop and train her.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/why-educate-4.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Reem Arafat (middle), a Syrian refugee girl at school in Whitehorse, Canada.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Annie Sakkab<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n If all women received a primary level education, child deaths from diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia would fall, as innumerable studies show.[5]<\/a> Deaths from diarrhoea, for example, the third-most frequent cause of child mortality, would be reduced by eight per cent if all mothers completed primary education, or by 30 per cent if they had secondary education, according to UNESCO.[6]<\/a> These threats are especially acute in displacement situations. Educated women are more likely to be aware of where to find professional help \u2013 some of it life-saving \u2013 when pregnant or as new mothers, while the further they progress with their schooling the more aware they are of the benefits of nutrition and sanitation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/what-1.jpg” background_position=”bottom_center” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” module_id=”what-is-the-scale”][et_pb_fullwidth_header _builder_version=”3.0.89″ title=”What is the scale of the challenge?” text_orientation=”left” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”off” image_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” content_orientation=”center” custom_button_one=”off” button_one_icon_placement=”right” custom_button_two=”off” button_two_icon_placement=”right” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”80px” title_font_size_phone=”50″ title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” subhead_font_size=”38px” subhead_font_size_phone=”26px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” content_max_width=”500px” subhead_line_height=”1.1em” subhead_text_color=”#faeb00″ title_font_size_tablet=”60px” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”What is the scale” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_row background_position_1=”top_left” background_position_2=”top_left” background_repeat_1=”no-repeat” background_repeat_2=”no-repeat” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”10px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Natalia Rami Haddad, 14, a Syrian refugee with her Czech friend, Nat\u00e1lie Sembdnerov\u00e1, 12, at high school in Hradec Kr\u00e1lov\u00e9, Czech Republic. In 2017, Natalia received an award from the Czech Ministry of Education for her efforts as a language student.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Michal Novotn\u00fd<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”intro” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Ensuring that refugee girls are given access to education is crucial for their empowerment and the prosperity and increased resilience of their families and communities. But there are formidable barriers in their path. For refugee children around the world, both boys and girls, the school gates are a great deal harder to prise open than they are for their non-refugee peers.<\/strong><\/p>\n As highlighted in UNHCR\u2019s latest report on refugee education<\/a>, only 61 per cent of refugee children have access to primary education, compared to an international average of 91 per cent. At secondary level, 23 per cent of refugee adolescents go to school, compared to 84 per cent globally. At tertiary level, while 34 per cent of university-age youth are in education, the figure for refugees is 1 per cent.<\/p>\n All refugees face significant barriers to education, but for the 84 per cent of refugees who are hosted in developing regions, the situation is particularly acute, with resources stretched and a chronic shortage of schools and teachers.[7]<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row background_position_1=”top_left” background_position_2=”top_left” background_repeat_1=”no-repeat” background_repeat_2=”no-repeat” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_gallery _builder_version=”3.0.89″ show_title_and_caption=”off” show_pagination=”on” fullwidth=”on” orientation=”landscape” zoom_icon_color=”#0072bc” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_layout=”light” pagination_font_size_tablet=”51″ pagination_line_height_tablet=”2″ gallery_ids=”805,806,807″ module_class=”herturngallery” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Teacher works overtime to give Rohingya girls a chance to learn<\/a> \u00a9 UNHCR\/Caroline Gluck<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n For refugee girls in these regions, it is even tougher. And as they get older, the gender gap keeps growing, as UNHCR statistics show. Data from the top three sub Saharan countries hosting refugees, Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya, show that there is a greater proportion of refugee boys than refugee girls in school:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px” use_custom_width=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/what-2.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n South Sudanese refugees at school in Nguenyyiel refugee camp, Ethiopia. Due to funding constraints, the school only goes up to fourth grade.\u00a0: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Diana Diaz<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px” use_custom_width=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/what-3.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n A Somali refugee girl after taking her secondary school exam in Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Tobin Jones<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/barriers-1.jpg” background_position=”bottom_center” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” module_id=”barriers”][et_pb_fullwidth_header _builder_version=”3.0.89″ title=”What are the barriers? ” text_orientation=”left” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”off” image_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” content_orientation=”center” custom_button_one=”off” button_one_icon_placement=”right” custom_button_two=”off” button_two_icon_placement=”right” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”80px” title_font_size_phone=”50″ title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” subhead_font_size=”38px” subhead_font_size_phone=”26px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” content_max_width=”500px” subhead_line_height=”1.1em” subhead_text_color=”#faeb00″ title_font_size_tablet=”60px” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Barriers” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_row background_position_1=”top_left” background_position_2=”top_left” background_repeat_1=”no-repeat” background_repeat_2=”no-repeat” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”10px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Refugee children from Burundi in Mahama refugee camp, Rwanda. Burundian refugee children attend Paysannat L School alongside children from the host community.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Georgina Goodwin<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”intro” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n A major obstacle to both refugee boys and girls attending school is cost. According to UNHCR field staff, school fees, the price of uniforms, books and other learning materials and transportation are barriers to education for boys and girls alike. Even small costs can seem problematic for people who have suddenly had to abandon their livelihoods and are often denied the right to work.<\/strong><\/p>\n But refugee girls are often at an even greater disadvantage in terms of \u201copportunity costs\u201d \u2013 losses in terms of income and of domestic duties.[9]<\/a> Collecting water or fuel, taking care of younger siblings or older relatives, household chores \u2013 these are all tasks that fall heavily on girls, while marrying daughters off removes them as a family \u201cexpense\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/barriers-2.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Refugee girls from Burundi collect firewood in the rain near Nduta refugee camp, Tanzania.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Sebastian Rich<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n These factors are amplified as girls get older \u2013 just as they should be preparing to transition to secondary school. If a refugee family has limited resources and must choose which siblings can continue with their education, UNHCR community-based protection staff have noted that boys are often prioritized because they are seen as having greater future earning potential. The situation is exacerbated because in many developing countries, the resources for secondary education are far less than for primary. Secondary education costs more \u2013 it requires more specialized equipment (laboratories for the sciences, for instance), more sophisticated learning materials and better qualified teachers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_video _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/n8lBfR6KELk” image_src=”\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/n8lBfR6KELk\/hqdefault.jpg” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n School offers Syrian girls in Jordan the chance to flourish<\/a> (Annie Sakkab, producer\/camera\/editor)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Girls may also have to battle social and cultural conventions and expectations. Some communities believe there is no need to educate girls, especially in places where child marriage and teenage pregnancy are the norm. Furthermore, if sexual and gender-based discrimination and violence is common in the communities that surround them, it is often found in school as well. Taken to extremes, religious hardliners have threatened and attacked girls, including refugees, who dared to defy them by attending school.<\/p>\n A school is made yet more unwelcoming if there is a lack of access to sanitation, clean water and private toilets. According to the World Bank, menstruation leads girls in sub-Saharan Africa to miss four days of school every four weeks, adding up to a loss of 10-20% of school time.[10]<\/a> Without clean water and toilet facilities to wash clothes and uniforms, the provision of menstrual hygiene products, and sensitivity to the subject among both school staff and their classmates, it is easy to see why girls, both refugees and from the host community, would be forced to miss school.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/barriers-3.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n A group of Nigerian refugee schoolgirls at Minawao refugee camp in Cameroon.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Alexis Huguet<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n All this creates a self-perpetuating system that works against girls: the fewer girls who are educated, the fewer female teachers there will be who can buck these trends and act as role models. Conversely, dedicated and inspirational female teachers such as Afghan refugee, Aqeela Asifi<\/a>, winner of the 2015 Nansen prize \u2013 an annual award for outstanding service to the cause of refugees \u2013 has transformed the lives of hundreds of Afghan refugee girls with her teaching. After years of dedication, she was recently able to expand her school in Kot Chandna, a remote village in Pakistan. \u201cMy students would always ask for the same thing \u2013 to be able to continue their education past the eighth grade,\u201d she said. \u201cNow we can make this dream a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-1.jpg” background_position=”bottom_center” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” module_id=”7ways”][et_pb_fullwidth_header _builder_version=”3.0.89″ title=”7 ways to help refugee girls go to school” text_orientation=”left” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”off” image_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” content_orientation=”center” custom_button_one=”off” button_one_icon_placement=”right” custom_button_two=”off” button_two_icon_placement=”right” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”80px” title_font_size_phone=”50″ title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” subhead_font_size=”38px” subhead_font_size_phone=”26px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” content_max_width=”500px” subhead_line_height=”1.1em” subhead_text_color=”#faeb00″ title_font_size_tablet=”60px” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”7 ways to help refugee girls go to school” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_row background_position_1=”top_left” background_position_2=”top_left” background_repeat_1=”no-repeat” background_repeat_2=”no-repeat” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”10px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Esther Nyakong, 17, South Sudanese refugee rehearsing a dance at her school in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Benjamin Loyseau<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px” gutter_width=”3″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Way title” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” header_3_font_size=”46px” header_3_font_size_phone=”38px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” module_class=”waytitle”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n It is girls who most often lose out in the competition for a place in the classroom. More school places for refugee girls \u2013 and for their peers in the communities that host them \u2013 are desperately needed. Refugee children around the world are affected by a shortage of school places, particularly at secondary level, where the shortfall is acute.[11]<\/a> Donors and agencies alike need to support policies that ensure inclusive and equitable access as the way to redress the balance. By boosting capacity, we will also benefit girls in host communities as well as refugees, bringing long-term advantages and improved resilience to successive generations in areas that need help the most.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-2.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Tabu Sunday, 14, at school in Imvepi settlement, Uganda. She enjoys attending school despite overcrowded classrooms.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Peter Caton<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.0.89″ show_divider=”on” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px” gutter_width=”3″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-3.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”on|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right” disabled_on=”on||” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Refugee children from El Salvador walk to school in Chiapas, Mexico. A growing refugee crisis in Central America has seen hundreds of thousands escape gang violence in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Daniele Volpe<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Way title” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” header_3_font_size=”46px” header_3_font_size_phone=”38px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” module_class=”waytitle”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n Refugee girls need better protection from harassment, sexual assault and kidnap on the way to school. Community action to protect refugee children with support from local authorities should be a priority. \u201cSchool trains,\u201d when groups of pupils travel together with a regular adult escort, are a solution when the school is within walking distance. However, long journeys to secondary school are a deterrent for many children, particularly girls. Improved transport, such as the provision of all-girl buses, can determine whether refugee girls are allowed to go to school by their parents or not. Boarding schools for girls have proven successful in some settings, as well as hostels where girls can stay in safety during the school week or term.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-3.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”off|on|on” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right” disabled_on=”off|on|on” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Refugee children from El Salvador walk to school in Chiapas, Mexico. A growing refugee crisis in Central America has seen hundreds of thousands escape gang violence in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Daniele Volpe<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.0.89″ show_divider=”on” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Way title” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” header_3_font_size=”46px” header_3_font_size_phone=”38px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” module_class=”waytitle”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n No girl should have to miss school because they lack menstrual hygiene products, access to clean water or private and safe toilets. When separate toilet facilities are not provided for girls, they are less likely to go to school. Schools need support to provide these basic facilities and products.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-4.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Toilets at an accommodation site for refugees in Alexandria, Greece.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Yorgos Kyvernitis<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.0.89″ show_divider=”on” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-5.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”on|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right” disabled_on=”on||” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Ekhlas Ahmed accompanies her students on a field trip in Portland, Maine, United States. Ekhlas is a refugee from Sudan who was resettled to the USA as a child and is now a high school teacher.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Heather Perry<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Way title” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” header_3_font_size=”46px” header_3_font_size_phone=”38px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” module_class=”waytitle”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n Male and female teachers require ongoing training to ensure they promote best practice and guard against behaviour that will deter girls from setting foot in the classroom. Teachers are in the perfect position to promote and instil ideas of gender equality and mutual respect among girls and boys.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-5.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|on|on” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right” disabled_on=”|on|on” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Ekhlas Ahmed accompanies her students on a field trip in Portland, Maine, United States. Ekhlas is a refugee from Sudan who was resettled to the USA as a child and is now a high school teacher.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Heather Perry<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.0.89″ show_divider=”on” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Way title” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” header_3_font_size=”46px” header_3_font_size_phone=”38px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” module_class=”waytitle”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n If refugee adults are able to work and support their families, they are more likely to let their children stay in school. Frequent parent-teacher meetings can help parents understand their role in facilitating effective schooling. The provision of light and sustainable energy to refugee homes can also enable many girls to go to school because they don\u2019t need to spend hours collecting firewood. It also means they can do their homework or catch up on their studies after nightfall.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-6.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n A Syrian refugee mother helps her children with their school work in Azraq refugee camp, Jordan, by the light of a solar powered lamp.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Sebastian Rich<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.0.89″ show_divider=”on” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-7.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”on|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right” disabled_on=”on||” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Alaa Kassab, 25, a refugee from Syria, is an assistant teacher at a primary school in Geltow, Germany. Before fleeing the war, she taught at a bilingual school in Aleppo.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Gordon Welters<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Way title” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” header_3_font_size=”46px” header_3_font_size_phone=”38px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” module_class=”waytitle”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n There is an urgent need to recruit and train more female teachers from within both host and refugee communities. Girls and boys need female role models, but girls in particular are likely to be encouraged and motivated by the presence of an educated woman in the classroom.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-7.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|on|on” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right” disabled_on=”|on|on” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Alaa Kassab, 25, a refugee from Syria, is an assistant teacher at a primary school in Geltow, Germany. Before fleeing the war, she taught at a bilingual school in Aleppo.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Gordon Welters<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.0.89″ show_divider=”on” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Way title” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” header_3_font_size=”46px” header_3_font_size_phone=”38px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” module_class=”waytitle”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n Extracurricular activities provide remedial, enrichment or mentoring services to enable girls to catch up (where necessary), boost their studies and thrive both academically and emotionally. While these should not be seen as an alternative to regular school, they can help to improve academic performance and, as a result, self-confidence.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/7ways-8.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” disabled_on=”|off|off” disabled=”off” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Refugee children from South Sudan attending primary school in Bidibidi refugee settlement in northern Uganda.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Isaac Kasamani<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_color=”#f4f4f4″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_video _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/6KJVdWeHNFA” image_src=”\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/6KJVdWeHNFA\/hqdefault.jpg” module_alignment=”center” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n 7 ways to help refugee girls go to school (Sylvie Francis, producer)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/final-word.jpg” background_position=”bottom_center” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” module_id=”final-word”][et_pb_fullwidth_header _builder_version=”3.0.89″ title=”Final Word” text_orientation=”left” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”off” image_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” content_orientation=”center” custom_button_one=”off” button_one_icon_placement=”right” custom_button_two=”off” button_two_icon_placement=”right” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”80px” title_font_size_phone=”50″ title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” subhead_font_size=”38px” subhead_font_size_phone=”26px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” content_max_width=”500px” subhead_line_height=”1.1em” subhead_text_color=”#faeb00″ title_font_size_tablet=”60px” subhead=”By Emi Mahmoud, UNHCR High Profile Supporter” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Final Word” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row background_position_1=”top_left” background_position_2=”top_left” background_repeat_1=”no-repeat” background_repeat_2=”no-repeat” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”10px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”light” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n Emi Mahmoud, UNHCR High Profile Supporter and poet, on a visit to Lesvos, Greece where she met with refugees.\u00a0\u00a9 UNHCR\/Paul Wu<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”light” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Refugees are constantly being told that they must remain silent. Yes, it is hard to be heard above the roar of warplanes or the thump of yet another explosion. But it’s also hard to be heard above the incessant refrain that refugees have a lesser right to exist – or none at all – and that refugee girls are worth less than anyone.<\/p>\n I have a voice. As a former refugee, a poet, a graduate of Yale University and now an advocate, I have been granted a platform to push back against the silence. Education changed my entire existence and so it is my duty to use my education to help others get to where I am today. Many people who have gone through what I have gone through, and worse, do not have this privilege.<\/p>\n When refugee girls are told they do not need or want an education, it is by people who do not want them to speak out, who do not want them to enrich their lives, to grow strong and prosper as human beings.<\/p>\n It is up to those of us who do have that voice to use it, as I will, and demand that all refugee girls, wherever they live, are admitted to the classroom and given a voice of their own. That is their right as human beings.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ parallax=”on” module_class=”min500″ background_color=”#0072bc” custom_padding=”||0px|” module_id=”call-to-action”][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”dark” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”80″ header_font_size_tablet=”60″ header_font_size_phone=”50″ header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_text_color=”#faeb00″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.89″ make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ background_color_2=”rgba(255,255,255,0.1)” make_equal=”on” padding_bottom_1=”60px” padding_bottom_2=”60px” padding_bottom_3=”60px” custom_padding=”||0px|”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/cta-1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”dark” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n \u00a9 UNHCR\/Georgina Goodwin<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”dark” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled=”off” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px” header_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”28px”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version=”3.0.89″ button_text=”Donate now” button_url=”https:\/\/donate.unhcr.org\/women” url_new_window=”off” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” custom_button=”off” button_icon_placement=”right” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_video _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/uJF1e7bAl0Q” image_src=”\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/uJF1e7bAl0Q\/hqdefault.jpg” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”dark” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”dark” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.89″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2018\/03\/cta-2.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” background_layout=”dark” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n \u00a9 UNHCR\/Scott Nelson<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”text” background_layout=”dark” disabled_on=”||off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”off” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version=”3.0.89″ button_text=”WithRefugees.org” button_url=”http:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/withrefugees” url_new_window=”off” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” custom_button=”off” button_icon_placement=”right” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_color=”#424242″ module_id=”sources”][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_layout=”dark” link_text_color=”#ffffff”]<\/p>\n [1]<\/a> World Bank: Returns to Investment in Education : A Global Update (1993)<\/a><\/p>\n [2]<\/a> UNESCO: Global Education Monitoring Report (2014) <\/a><\/p>\n [3]<\/a> UNESCO: Education Counts – Towards the Millennium Development Goals (2011)<\/a><\/p>\n [4]<\/a> UNESCO: Education Transforms Lives (2013)<\/a><\/p>\n [5]<\/a> Gakidou, Cowling, Lozano and Murray. (2010). Increased Educational Attainment and Its Effect on Child Mortality in 175 Countries between 1970 and 2009: A Systematic Analysis. The Lancet, Volume 376 (No. 9745)<\/em>, pp. 959-974<\/a><\/p>\n [6]<\/a> UNESCO: Education Transforms Lives. Ibid.<\/a><\/p>\n [7]<\/a> UNHCR: Global Trends Report (2016)<\/a><\/p>\n [8]<\/a> Ibid.<\/a><\/p>\n [9]<\/a> Sperling and Winthrop. (2016). What Works in Girls\u2019 Education<\/em>. Brookings Institution Press.<\/a><\/p>\n [10]<\/a> World Bank: Toolkit on Hygiene, Sanitation and Water in Schools (2005)<\/a><\/p>\n [11]<\/a> UNHCR: Education Report – Left Behind: Refugee Education in Crisis (2017)<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.0.89″ show_divider=”on” color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Nur Kalima, 11, Rohingya refugee studying at a UNHCR-funded school in Kutupalong refugee settlement, Bangladesh. It is challenging for Rohingya girls to complete their education because of social pressures, early marriage and a lack of access to higher education. \u00a9 UNHCR\/Roger Arnold Introduction By Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees UN High Commissioner for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":872,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-675","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/675","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=675"}],"version-history":[{"count":121,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/675\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":890,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/675\/revisions\/890"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/872"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/herturn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Access to education is a fundamental human right. It is essential to the acquisition of knowledge and to \u201cthe full development of the human personality\u201d, as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states. More than that, education makes us more resilient and independent individuals. Yet for millions of women and girls among the world’s ever-growing refugee population, education remains an aspiration, not a reality.<\/h2>\n
\n\u00a9 UNHCR\/Antoine Tardy<\/p>\nIf we continue to neglect refugee girls\u2019 education, the consequences will be felt for generations. It is time to make it a priority.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Primary education<\/h3>\n
\n
Secondary education<\/h3>\n
\n
These disparities emerge even though girls make up half of the school-age refugee population.[8]<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
1.<\/span> Schools must make space for girls.<\/h3>\n
2.<\/span> No girl should miss school because the journey to school is too far or too dangerous.<\/h3>\n
3.<\/span> Schools must be adapted to girls\u2019 needs.<\/h3>\n
4.<\/span> There can be no room for gender-based bullying, harassment and violence in schools.<\/h3>\n
5.<\/span> Refugee families need incentives and encouragement to keep girls in school.<\/h3>\n
6.<\/span> Refugee pupils need more female teachers.<\/h3>\n
7.<\/span> With some extra help, girls can catch up and power on.<\/h3>\n
Call to Action<\/h1>\n
Invest in refugee girls\u2019 education:<\/h2>\n
Welcome refugees into your communities and offer to mentor refugee girls<\/h2>\n
Stand #WithRefugees. Sign the petition asking decision makers to ensure every refugee child gets an education:<\/h2>\n
Sources<\/h1>\n