Education for women and those with refugee status is a critical and challenging issue, given the unique circumstances and barriers that displaced populations often face. Addressing the educational needs of women requires a holistic and collaborative approach therefore working alongside governments, NGOs, international agencies, and local communities allows us to create sustainable and inclusive solutions.

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                                            Empowering Women through Education: A Global Need and Challenge

                                                                             
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​SAKA International Collaborates with The London School of Public Health (TLSPH LTD) to Empower Women and Girls through Education
SAKA International, in partnership with The London School of Public Health (TLSPH LTD), proudly introduces the IQRA Project, an initiative aimed at providing education to women and girls in areas of low literacy. This collaboration focuses on fostering knowledge and building opportunities for those who have traditionally faced barriers to education.

The IQRA Project combines SAKA International’s grassroots expertise with TLSPH’s educational resources to create impactful programs tailored to the needs of underserved communities. Together, we are committed to transforming lives by delivering accessible, high-quality educational content designed to inspire and empower women and girls.

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Across the world, millions of women and girls are still denied access to education, particularly in regions affected by conflict, poverty, and social inequality. Despite the significant progress made in recent decades, barriers to education for women remain deeply entrenched in many parts of the world.

Key Statistics on Education Gaps:

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1. Sub-Saharan Africa:​

• ​Approximately 130 million girls are not in school, many due to poverty, child marriage, and gender-based violence. In some countries, the gender gap in education is striking: for instance, in Niger, only 21% of girls complete primary school.

2. South Asia:

• In countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and rural India, girls' school enrolment rates are significantly lower than boys', with approximately 32 million girls not attending school in South Asia alone.

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Middle East & North Africa:

• Conflict and instability in countries like Syria, Yemen, and Iraq have severely disrupted education systems. In Syria, before the conflict, 98% of girls were enrolled in primary school; today, millions of girls have lost their educational opportunities due to war. Similarly, in Yemen, only 30% of girls attend secondary school.

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Latin America & the Caribbean:

• While overall female enrolment is improving, issues of early marriage and domestic violence continue to restrict education for many girls, particularly in rural or marginalized communities.

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Sub-Regions with Protracted Conflicts (e.g., Central African Republic, South Sudan):

• Conflict has devastated education infrastructures in these areas, with schools destroyed or repurposed for military use. Girls in conflict zones are often disproportionately affected due to safety concerns, cultural norms, and limited resources.​

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                                                            Why Women and Girls Are Denied Education:

Conflict & Instability: Wars, civil unrest, and displacement can destroy schools and make it unsafe for girls to attend. In some areas, education infrastructure may be repurposed for military purposes, while in others, the threat of violence and trafficking makes education an unattainable luxury.

Cultural & Gender Norms: In many societies, the cultural and societal expectation is for girls to marry young, help with household duties, or care for younger siblings instead of attending school.

Poverty & Economic Constraints: Families living in poverty may prioritize boys' education over girls, especially when resources are scarce. When financial constraints are a reality, the education of girls is often the first thing sacrificed.

Lack of Educational Infrastructure: Many regions, particularly rural or conflict-affected zones, have poor educational facilities. Without schools, trained teachers, and access to learning materials, children—especially girls—are often left behind.
Health & Safety Concerns: Poor sanitation, long distances to travel, and the risk of violence on the way to school further discourage families from sending their daughters to school.