Beyond Her Odds initiative tackles norms affecting girls’ education in FCT

To address concerns hindering girls’ education in the Federal Capital Territory, Beyond the Classroom Foundation through Beyond Her Odds initiative is set to empower over 20, 000 adolescent girls across 20 schools in Abuja, offering them valuable resources to overcome societal barriers.

The project includes workshops, mentorship programmes, and community engagement efforts designed to challenge and change harmful social norms. By addressing issues such as early marriage, gender-based violence, and limited access to education, the project seeks to empower girls with the tools and confidence they need to pursue their education and achieve their full potential.

Funded by Inspiring Girls and Grassroots Networks for Inclusive and Transformative Education (IGNITE), consortium which includes the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Urgent Action Fund-Africa (UAF-Africa), and Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), the initiative is set to make a significant impact in Abuja.

The project which started this August will run for a year, focusing on subverting gender-related norms that restrict girls’ participation in education and promote gender-transformative education.

Speaking at the official launch of Beyond Her Odds initiative Founder/CEO of Beyond the Classroom Foundation, Mrs. Raquel Kasham Daniel, emphasised the critical importance of girl child education. She said, “Investing in girls’ education is not just about breaking barriers for individual girls; it’s about building stronger communities and a more equitable society. Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute her voice to the world.”

A member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Chris Chukwunyere Njoku, also highlighted the need to challenge the social norms that limit girls’ opportunities. He added, “By confronting these harmful norms head-on, we can create a society where girls are free to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.”

In addition to working with schools, the initiative will extend its reach to vulnerable communities by establishing safe spaces within an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp. These safe spaces will provide crucial support and resources to girls affected by displacement, offering a refuge where they can pursue their education and receive counseling and mentorship.

The IGNITE Consortium’s involvement underscores a commitment to fostering inclusive and transformative education across Africa. By collaborating on this initiative, IRC, UAF-Africa, and PASGR aim to create a ripple effect that will benefit not only the girls directly involved but also their families and communities.