There has been a notable increase in the enrollment of girls in schools, which has had a positive impact on their performance within the educational institutions in Somalia.
In defiance of cultural norms that had previously barred them from attending schools, girls are now actively pursuing education instead of being confined to their homes until marriage.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and success, these girls have excelled, surpassing the boys who were traditionally favored by parents for schooling.
This year alone, an impressive number of approximately 13,835 girls took high school examinations in the Banaadir region and other parts of Somalia, with the exception of Somaliland.
This represents the highest number of girls graduating from high school since the outbreak of the civil war in Somalia, thereby contributing to a significant increase in the number of girls graduating from universities.
Parents have recognized the importance of educating their daughters, fostering a well-informed and educated society that values equality in education.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that Somali girls still face unreported cases of gender-based violence, including rape, forced marriages, and female genital mutilation. Nonetheless, they remain hopeful that they will overcome these obstacles in the future.
Ayanle Qoyste
