Improving knowledge on gender norms to promote gender equality in schools in Africa

For the last three decades, the retention and success of girls in schools in Africa have been top priorities on the agenda of both governments and global development agencies. However, despite the expenditure of substantial financial resources to support the formulation of policies and interventions, the results have been disappointing. Exclusions based on cultural norms, and systemic and structural barriers, continue to constitute major obstacles.

This project seeks to bring about a better understanding of how gender norms across society and institutions such as schools undermine or promote girls’ experience and success in formal education. The goal is to drive effective change that allows girls to go to school, remain there, and succeed.

Through participatory, innovative, and adaptive approaches, the project will investigate key innovations on gender equality, and analyze the contextual factors that influence the integration of gender equality into education systems. Data on innovations and gender norms will inform knowledge mobilization and capacity strengthening strategies in Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sao Tome and Principe.

This project is one of the six projects selected through the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange regional call for proposals (Generating and mobilizing innovative knowledge for regional education challenges) in the Africa 21 region, which comprises Francophone and Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries.