Two historical eras, one struggle: girls' education
This story tells of some aspects of girls' lives over time while highlighting the persistent challenges that require more significant efforts to guarantee their rights.
Soraya, 15, is in her third year at Charles Renel College in Majunga, northwest Madagascar. The sixth of seven siblings, Soraya was raised by her mother, 45-year-old Louisette Justine. Louisette had to look after her children alone because her father had left the family when Samira, the youngest, was just one year old.
Louisette grew up without her mother when girls' education was not highly valued. Deprived of schooling, she had to cope from an early age, nurturing the dream that her future daughters would have access to an education and a better future. Today, she sells vegetables at the popular Mahabibo market to support her children.
"At that time, I promised myself that one day I'd do everything I could so that my daughters could succeed in their studies because I knew how difficult it was to grow up without maternal support," confides Louisette, with a determination marked by resilience, and no regrets about having faced these many challenges.
Today, her daughter Soraya excels in life, earth sciences, mathematics, and physics. Her passion for science fuels her ambition to become a doctor or an accountant. Aware of teenage girls' challenges, including marriage and early pregnancy, she does her best to succeed in her studies.
“Many girls become mothers too young, which prevents them from continuing their studies,” says Soraya, an observation her mother fully shares.
Education in all its forms
In Madagascar, 39% of women aged between 20 and 24 have been married or entered a union before 18. In addition to her studies at college, Soraya finds refuge and fulfillment in community life. She is a committed scout and a member of a student club supported by UNICEF and its partners at her college. These extracurricular activities protect her from bad influences and reinforce her commitment to education.
Sonya, the eldest and the youngest are also scouts in 6th and 10th grade, respectively. "Despite globalization, girls need to stay focused on their studies and engage in activities like scouting, which can guide them positively in their lives." - says Rasoanatoandro Roverine Ernestine, their leader.
Louisette, on her part, is proud of her daughters, especially Soraya. She sees her as a responsible young woman, a symbol of hope for a better future for girls of her generation.
Scout gathering is on a Saturday afternoon, during which the three sisters participate as members.
“My mother is a true inspiration to me. Her determination encourages me to do everything I can to succeed in my studies” - Soraya, 15 years old
“I think girls should be able to enjoy their teenage years more, especially with access to education, so they can develop their full potential.” - Sonya, 17
Note: In Madagascar, programs to promote girls' rights are supported by a number of donors, including the National Committees for UNICEF in the USA and Germany, Zonta International and the Findel Foundation.
