A core aspect of Impact’s work is providing access to formal education. This is not only key in breaking the cycle of poverty by allowing young people to focus on building a career and brighter future, but is also essential in empowering women. 

By educating girls, we see first hand the impact this has on the opportunities they have, not only as a child but when they join the workforce in the future too. An education allows women to be distinguished with the skills and confidence she has developed. Schooling also allows women to earn a livelihood in the future, giving them financial independence, or a say in financial decisions in their homes. 

We have found that girls who receive a formal education are able to dream big, and actively work to pursue their goals and ambitions. In many of the countries we operate in, we have found education to also be a leading factor in the drop in child marriage rates. In some communities, young girls are married off at a young age because their parents are not able to provide for them, or because they see no other alternatives.

Studies show that if every girl completed 12 years of education, the rate of child marriages would drop by a staggering 64%, which will also have a knock on effect on the decrease of health complications from early pregnancies. The benefits of educating young girls are manifold, and has a positive impact not only within communities, but on a global scale by allowing them to contribute to the economy, voice their concerns and be change makers. 

However, there are still many challenges halting women from getting an education in several parts of the world. This includes the lack of accessibility in rural communities, to the costs of school, or being forced to work in order to secure a livelihood and survive. 

At Impact, we are working hard to ensure that women aren’t left behind, and we believe this starts with education. Through our school and education projects, we make equality more attainable and empower women.