CSS Pakistan Affairs | Prospects and Challenges for Girls’ Education in Pakistan
The following question of CSS Current Affairs is solved by Ayesha Maqsood under the supervision of Howfiv’s Pakistan Affairs and Current Affairs Coaches. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved past paper question is attempted on the pattern taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years, and uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-A bird’s eye view of Pakistan’s education system for girls
3-Illustrating the challenges for the girls’ education system in Pakistan
- Curriculum limitations, less Accessibility and worse Infrastructure
- Case in Point: According to the UNESCO Report (2019) showing that 5.4 million children, mostly girls, being not in school because schools are not accessible, worse infrastructure and outdated curricula
- Poverty and Financial constraints
- Case in Point: The World Bank (2020) reporting that 38% of Pakistan’s population living in poverty, which causes 22% of girls to leave school because of financial problems
- Cultural and Social barriers
- Case in Point: According to the World Bank report (2024), the literacy rate of girls being about 18%. which leads to a gender gap in literacy of about 20.1% and a child marriage prevalence of about 19.4%
- Security concerns
- Case in Point: According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack Report (2018), between 2007 and 2016, Pakistan experiencing 961 attacks on schools, resulting in 439 deaths and 1,726 injuries
- Teacher shortages and Training
- Case in Point: The World Bank Report (2020) showing that 40% of Pakistani teachers being not have formal training, and 20% of schools have a serious lack of teachers
- Early Marriages and Social Norms
- Case in Point: According to the UNICEF Report (2020) showing that 18% of Pakistani girls marry before they turn 18, and 4% marry before age 15 and these early marriages lead to fewer girls enrolling in school
4-Exhibiting the prospects for the girls’ education system in Pakistan
- Increase enrollment
- Case in point: According to the UNESCO Report (2018) showing that if Pakistan implements efficient policies and makes access to education easy, then about a 52% increase in girls’ enrollment will be expected from 2018 to 2025
- Boost Government initiatives
- Case in Point: The Prime Minister’s Education Reform Program, launched in 2017, aims to improve access to education, its quality, and its relevance. According to the World Bank Report (20217), Pakistan’s National Education Policy 2017 has set aside 2.5% of GDP for education, which will bring better education for girls
- Provide NGO support
- Case in Point: UNICEF reports that the Malala Fund has helped more than 100,000 girls in Pakistan through its Education Champions program and this program raises awareness about the important work of the NGO, which will help to improve girls’ education in Pakistan
- Change attitudes and boost awareness
- Case in Point: According to the UNESCO report (2018), the Girls’ Education Movement in Pakistan has reached 10,000 community leaders, parents, and teachers, leading to a 30% rise in girls’ enrollment, which will help in spreading awareness of the importance of education for girls in Pakistan and will assist to increase literacy rate
- Enhance technological integration
- Case in Point: The World Bank report (2018) shows that Pakistan’s ‘Smart Schools Program’ has given digital learning platforms to 500,000 students, including girls, in Punjab province that aims to improve education standards in Pakistan, which will be a significant achievement for girls to compete with men
- Increase economic empowerment
- Case in Point: The World Bank report (2028) shows that when girls get an extra year of education, their earning potential increases by 10-20% and this increase can boost Pakistan’s GDP by $1.4 billion each year
5-Throwing light on the remedial measures to counter challenges and bring prospects
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Education for girls is crucial from the time of ignorance to the time of enlightenment because girls have the potential for socio-economic and political development. Countries such as China, the USA, South Korea, Japan, Germany, France, and Italy allocate significant budgets to their education systems, with a particular focus on improving girls’ education. This investment reflects the value placed on education as a key factor in fostering national development and strengthening their status as great nations. However, Pakistan’s education system has both promising opportunities and serious challenges for girls. According to UNESCO, Pakistan saw a 14% increase in girls’ enrollment between 2015 and 2020. On the positive side, initiatives like the National Education Policy 2017, support from NGOs, and the use of technology are making a difference. These will help in increasing enrollment, boosting access to quality, increasing awareness among society, and boosting economic empowerment. However, challenges remain a serious dilemma, such as curriculum limitations, funding constraints, less accessibility, poverty, cultural attitudes, a lack of teachers, and poor school infrastructure. To overcome these challenges, it is important to focus on community involvement and policy changes. In a nutshell, understanding the balance between opportunities and challenges is key to unlocking the potential of girls’ education in Pakistan.
A bird’s eye view of Pakistan’s education system for girls
Pakistan’s education system for girls faces significant challenges and inequalities. The country’s patriarchal culture and economic issues make it hard for girls to access quality education. According to the UNESCO report (2019) states that 5.4 million children, mostly girls, are out of school in Pakistan. This troubling number shows how serious the problem is. The report links this issue to poverty, child marriages, and cultural beliefs. Additionally, the World Bank Report (2020) shows that a 38% gap is present in enrollment between girls and boys in secondary education. This large gap highlights the obstacles that keep girls from getting an education.These factors never allowed the deficient education system to become successful and efficient education system. It hinders socioeconomic, political technological development. It creates unemployment, poverty, and corruption that shakes the roots of the development and growth of the country. Although many initiatives have been started to improve girls’ education system, Pakistan has not been able to avail these opportunities. Hence, Pakistan’s education system for girls has many challenges.
Illustrating the challenges for the girls’ education system in Pakistan
Various challenges are mentioned below for the girls’ education system in Pakistan.
- Curriculum limitations, less Accessibility and worse Infrastructure
Girls’ education in Pakistan is hindered by limited school programs, difficult access to schools, and poor facilities. Many schools follow outdated programs that do not teach girls the skills they need. Schools that are hard to reach and lack proper facilities stop girls from enrolling in classes. According to the UNESCO Report (2019) shows that 5.4 million children, mostly girls, are not in school because schools are not accessible, worse infrastructure and outdated curricula. This shows that the lack of proper infrastructure affects girls’ education directly. When schools are hard to access, girls miss out on quality education, widening the education gap. In rural areas, girls face even more challenges like long distances and safety issues. Hence, all these challenges affect the education sector badly for girls to get an education. All these challenges stop the nation’s progress.
- Poverty and Financial constraints
Poverty and money issues make it hard for girls to get an education in Pakistan. Families often choose to focus on basic survival instead of schooling. As a result, fewer girls enroll in school, many drop out, and there is less access to quality education. The World Bank (2020) reports that 38% of Pakistan’s population lives in poverty, which causes 22% of girls to leave school because of financial problems. This shows that poverty is present for girls’ education and financial difficulties force families to spend their limited resources on other needs, which means girls miss out on education. Without enough money, families struggle to afford school supplies, transport, and good schools. Hence, poverty and funding constraints never allow girls to get an education.
- Cultural and Social barriers
Cultural and social barriers seriously affect girls’ education in Pakistan. Unfortunately, Pakistan has been deprived of inequality, which leads to gender disparitiesdue to family and community pressures, and cultural and religious tensions. According to the World Bank report (2024), the literacy rate of girls is about 18%. which leads to a gender gap in literacy of about 20.1% and a child marriage prevalence of about 19.4%. From this report, it is clear due to social differences, family and community do not allow girls to go to school for education. These attitudes often lead to early marriages, restricted movement, and limited school access. This increases the illiteracy rate. Furthermore, cultural and religious become barriers that lead to gender disparity.This affects women’s empowerment and women become ineligible for the country’s progress. Hence, cultural and social barriers are the main reason for the illiteracy rate of girls that raises the prevailing issues.
- Security concerns
Security concerns pose serious risks to girls’ education in Pakistan. Students and schools face violence and intimidation. Terrorist attacks, military operations, and sectarian violence disrupt education. According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack Report (2018), between 2007 and 2016, Pakistan experienced 961 attacks on schools, resulting in 439 deaths and 1,726 injuries. This shows the severe security risks. Attacks on schools create fear, leading to closures and fewer enrollments. Thus, girls are especially vulnerable due to cultural and social norms.
- Teacher shortages and Training
Teacher shortages and lack of training hurt girls’ education in Pakistan, making it hard for them to access quality learning. Many teachers are untrained, which leads to poor instruction and low student interest, causing high dropout rates. The World Bank Report (2020) shows that 40% of Pakistani teachers do not have formal training, and 20% of schools have a serious lack of teachers. This situation highlights the urgent need to tackle teacher shortages and training issues. Untrained teachers find it difficult to teach effectively, especially in subjects like math and science. Hence, girls, who are already at a disadvantage, face even more challenges due to poor teaching quality.
- Early Marriages and Social Norms
Early marriages and strict social norms make it hard for girls to get an education in Pakistan, causing many to leave school. Cultural beliefs favour marriage over education, which limits what girls can achieve. According to the UNICEF Report (2020) shows s that 18% of Pakistani girls marry before they turn 18, and 4% marry before age 15 and these early marriages lead to fewer girls enrolling in school. This shows early marriages hurt girls’ education. Social norms that focus on marriage instead of education prevent girls from going to school and keep gender inequality in place. Early marriages often lead to early pregnancies, health problems, and lifelong dependence on others. Hence, early marriages and social norms are the major challenges that resist girls to enroll in schools to get education.
Exhibiting the prospects for the girls’ education system in Pakistan
Various prospects have been mentioned for the girls’ education system in Pakistan.
- Increase enrollment
Pakistan has been taking measures to counter challenges and increase enrollment. Increased enrollment will be a positive sign for girls’ education in Pakistan. This rise will happen when mutual efforts by the government, NGOs, and international partners increase. According to UNESCO, the percentage of girls enrolled in primary schools grew from 46% in 2005 to 64% in 2019, reducing the gender gap. According to the UNESCO Report (2018) shows that if Pakistan implements efficient policies and makes access to education easy, then about a 52% increase in girls’ enrollment will be expected from 2018 to 2025. This significant growth shows that initiatives aimed at improving access to education are working.The progress in enrollment highlights Pakistan’s ability to further improve girls’ education. Thus, by continuing these efforts, Pakistan can keep reducing the gender gap and realize the potential of its female population, which will help the country’s socio-economic development.
- Boost Government initiatives
Pakistan has been busy boosting government initiatives that will help in future. Boosted government initiatives are a hopeful sign for girls’ education in Pakistan. The government’s commitment to education is clear in its policies and programs that will help in showing their potential to national forums. The Prime Minister’s Education Reform Program, launched in 2017, aims to improve access to education, its quality, and its relevance. According to the World Bank Report (20217), Pakistan’s National Education Policy 2017 has set aside 2.5% of GDP for education, which will bring better education for girls. This shows a significant increase in education spending and prioritizes girls’ education, teacher training, and better school facilities. The allocation of 2.5% of GDP shows the government’s determination to strengthen the education sector for nations’ progress. By implementing the National Education Policy, Pakistan can tackle systemic issues, boost educational outcomes, and empower girls. Hence, effectively carrying out these initiatives is essential for achieving gender equality and improving Pakistan’s development indicators, which will help the country’s socio-economic development.
- Provide NGO support
Pakistan has been working on providing support to NGOs. Support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is crucial for girls’ education in Pakistan. NGOs will help to make education more accessible and improve its quality. UNICEF reports that the Malala Fund has helped more than 100,000 girls in Pakistan through its Education Champions program and this program raises awareness about the important work of the NGO, which will help to improve girls’ education in Pakistan. This program offers scholarships, teacher training, and community involvement. The Malala Fund shows how support from NGOs can help girls’ education. NGOs like the Malala Fund provide resources and knowledge to overcome obstacles, challenge outdated cultural beliefs, and empower girls. NGOs can create a greater impact and ensure lasting improvements in girls’ education by working with local communities and governments. Hence, effective efforts from NGOs can help Pakistan achieve gender equality and better educational outcomes that will bring prosperity to the country.
- Change attitudes and boost awareness
Pakistan has been working on increasing awareness about the importance of education for girls on state matters. Changing attitudes and raising awareness are key for girls’ education in Pakistan and can help change how society views girls’ education and support gender equality. When families start to value girls’ education, more girls can go to school. According to the UNESCO report (2018), the Girls’ Education Movement in Pakistan has reached 10,000 community leaders, parents, and teachers, leading to a 30% rise in girls’ enrollment, which will help in spreading awareness of the importance of education for girls in Pakistan and will assist to increase literacy rate. This movement shows that awareness campaigns can improve girls’ education. By involving community leaders and parents, the initiative can fight against harmful stereotypes and show that education is a worthwhile investment. Education for girls will become a priority, pushing forward progress towards gender equality. Thus, ongoing awareness efforts will create lasting change and empower girls in Pakistan to help develop their country.
- Enhance technological integration
Pakistan has been working on the integration of technology with the education system for girls. Improving the use of technology is a great opportunity for girls’ education in Pakistan and can help close gaps in access and improve learning results. Technology can connect girls in remote areas to quality education. The World Bank report (2018) shows that Pakistan’s ‘Smart Schools Program’ has given digital learning platforms to 500,000 students, including girls, in Punjab province that aims to improve education standards in Pakistan, which will be a significant achievement for girls to compete with men. The ‘Smart Schools Program’ shows that technology can improve education for girls. With digital tools, girls can access quality education, even when schools lack resources or teachers are missing. Interactive content and virtual classrooms will make learning more engaging and can lead to better results. As Pakistan grows its digital education programs, more girls will have chances to learn, helping them prepare for jobs in the digital economy. In a nutshell, using technology effectively can also reduce gender gaps, empowering Pakistani girls to compete on a global scale.
- Increase economic empowerment
Girls’ education in Pakistan can greatly increase their economic power. When girls are educated, they can earn more money, make better decisions, and support their families. The World Bank report (2028) shows that when girls get an extra year of education, their earning potential increases by 10-20% and this increase can boost Pakistan’s GDP by $1.4 billion each year. This shows the economic benefits of educating girls. With skills and knowledge, girls can find better jobs, which helps reduce poverty and reliance on others. Educated girls invest in healthcare and education and start businesses, which drives economic growth. By focusing on girls’ education, Pakistan can unlock the potential of its female workforce, leading to economic progress and less inequality. Hence, educated girls become change-makers, improving Pakistan’s economy and society.
Throwing light on the remedial measures to counter challenges and bring prospects
To improve girls’ education in Pakistan, there needs to be clear actions. Important steps include enforcing laws that make education compulsory and increasing the budget for schools. Community programs, such as awareness campaigns, can help break down cultural barriers. The state’s institutions also need to train and hire more teachers to fill gaps in education. Building safe and accessible schools is essential. Partnerships with private companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can support government efforts. Moreover, using technology, like online platforms and digital resources, can make education more available. Scholarships and financial help can support girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, this system must tackle early marriages and child labour through proper laws and enforcement. To make these changes happen, the government, civil society, and all stakeholders need to work together. By focusing on girls’ education, Pakistan can develop its workforce, promote gender equality, and boost economic growth. Hence, taking these steps can significantly improve girls’ education in Pakistan and can bring prosperity to the country.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s girls’ education system is facing important challenges. More girls are attending school, and there are government programs to help them, but serious issues still exist. Poverty, cultural barriers, and safety concerns make it hard for girls to get an education. There are also not enough teachers, and schools need better facilities. However, there are reasons for hope. Changing attitudes, support from NGOs, and the use of technology can help improve the situation. To help girls reach their potential and strengthen the country’s economy, Pakistan must address these challenges. This requires ongoing efforts, new policies, and involvement from communities. Key actions include improving school buildings, updating what students learn, and ensuring programs are run effectively. By focusing on girls’ education, Pakistan can turn opportunities into achievements and create a better future for the next generation. Hence collective efforts need to work together to empower Pakistani girls through education.
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