3.4.4 Improving education

WASH and education for girls are interconnected in several ways. Poor water and sanitation facilities at schools are one reason why girls tend to drop out of education before they have completed their schooling. If all schools had facilities that met the required guidelines this would improve school enrolment and attendance by both girls and boys.

If girls are successful in school and possibly continue to college or university they will be empowered by their education, be more independent in their life choices, have wider employment opportunities, and reach positions in society where they have more influence. Haile (2014) states that ‘educating girls is the single most effective tool for strengthening economic productivity’.