Girls' Learning and Empowerment - The Role of School Environments

The review confirms the positive impacts of education on girls’ and women’s empowerment and livelihoods. The effects of education on women’s future livelihoods largely depend on the presence of economic opportunities and supportive social norms, which are themselves underpinned by education (notably secondary education) of boys as well as girls. In many countries, an increase in girls’ participation – with more girls attending secondary education up to the grades where they take key exams – has led to women’s greater labour force participation – an important route to empowerment. Qualitative and quantitative studies also show that education has impacts on self-confidence, aspirations, communication skills and decision-making power and can lead to more egalitarian marital relationships.