Empowering Girls through Education Transforms the World: 7 Key Reasons Why it Matters

Meet Anya: A young girl from a small village in Northern Nigeria who thought that her dreams of becoming a doctor were impossible. The cycle of poverty in her community made her feel like her only future would be a life of hardship and dependence. But everything changed when she was chosen to be part of a local scholarship program funded by At EMTAG foundation, we believe that empowering girls through education transforms the world and is a pathway to break free from the cycle of generational poverty and illiteracy.
Below are 7 key reasons why girls’ education drives change and shapes a more inclusive world.

1. Education Empowers Girls to Break the Cycle of Poverty
Girls like Anya who receive an education earn higher incomes, make better financial decisions, and contribute to economic growth.
According to the United Nations International Children’s Fund, “Girls increase their earning status by 10-20% for every year they stay in school, helping them overcome generational poverty”.

2. Gender-Inclusive Education Leads to Healthier Families
Educated girls are more likely to make informed health choices, reducing child mortality rates and improving maternal health. Studies show that children of educated mothers are twice as likely to survive past the age of five.

3. Schooling Reduces Child Marriage and Gender-Based Violence
With Access to education, Girls are less likely to be forced into early marriage or experience gender-based violence. Girls with secondary education are less likely to marry before the age of 18 compared to those with little or no schooling.

4. Education empowers Women to Become Leaders and Change-makers
Empowering girls through education transforms the world. When girls go to school, they develop critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills, making them more likely to hold leadership positions, advocate for gender equality, and influence policies that benefit society.

5. Inclusive Education Boosts Economic Growth
A country that educates children experiences higher GDP growth. Girls completing secondary education is seen to significantly shrink global economic losses, lifting entire nations out of poverty.

6. Empowering Girls through Education Strengthens Communities
Educated women invest back into their families and communities, creating a ripple effect that benefits future generations. They prioritise education for their children, leading to long-term societal progress.

7. Equal Education Builds an Equitable and Inclusive Society
Equal access to education by both genders makes societies more inclusive, tolerant, and innovative. Diversity in education fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and global progress.

The Path Forward: Advancing Access to Education for Girls

At EMTAG Foundation, we are committed to expanding opportunities and ensuring that every girl like Anya —regardless of background or ability—gets the education she deserves. Through initiatives like the Inclusive Education Support Project (IESP), we are providing scholarships, resources, and mentorship to underserved girls, empowering them to build brighter futures. Join us in championing gender equality in education. Because when we educate girls, we transform the world.

Take Action Today – Support EMTAG Foundation’s mission and help us make education accessible for young girls like Anya.

Written by Tiwalola Bankole