Accra: The Transparency International, Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has called on stakeholders to take firm actions to tackle systemic barriers, particularly corruption in the education sector that hinders girls from realising their full potentials.
According to Ghana News Agency, the NGO made the call in a statement to mark this year's International Women's Day on the theme: 'For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.' It said despite the considerable progress made in gender parity, inequality in education remained a pressing challenge and girls continued to face obstacles to academic success due to corruption, entrenched societal norms, financial constraints, child marriage, and child labour.
The statement highlighted that education is a fundamental right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and emphasized the education sector's critical role in the development of human resources of countries. The NGO commended the government for significant strides made in expanding access to services delivery in the education sector.
However, the organisation pointed out that corruption presented a significant challenge to the effective delivery of public services in Ghana's education sector, and such practices have severe and far-reaching effects on women and girls. It warned that the long-term impact of corruption in education could perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality, as girls who are denied a quality education are less likely to secure well-paying jobs and more likely to remain in poverty.
The NGO urged the government, policymakers, civil society organisations, the private sector, and all stakeholders to take bold and transformative action to address corruption loopholes in the education sector. It called for strengthened accountability mechanisms to ensure that women and girls have equal access to opportunities without discrimination or systemic barriers.
Furthermore, the statement asked stakeholders to ensure inclusive and equitable education by investing in gender-responsive infrastructure and policies that particularly address school dropouts among girls. It asserted that Ghana's development depends on leveraging the full potential of its women and girls, and addressing corruption in education is crucial for ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.
The statement concluded by stating that by tackling corruption, a more equitable and just society can be created for all, and emphasized that the time for action is now.
