During a thought-provoking panel discussion at the Human Rights Festival at the Women's Jail at Constitution Hill on 22 March 2025, Legal Resources Centre attorney Sheniece Linderboom shone a spotlight on the pressing barriers that girl learners in South Africa face in accessing education.
Echoing the theme of the discussion, "Gender, Power, and Justice: Confronting Systemic Failures in Protecting Women's Rights," Linderboom highlighted how multifaceted factors contribute to school dropout rates among girls.
Drawing attention to materials developed by her organisation aimed at combating these dropout rates, Linderboom revealed the startling disparities in the educational experiences of boys and girls. "In terms of poverty, a girl's ability to attend school is often compromised, particularly in rural areas and large households where sending a girl to school may not be considered feasible," she remarked.
As Linderboom elaborated, societal expectations often confine girls to roles that keep them out of the classroom. "In many cases, girls are expected to stay home to take on caregiving, household responsibilities, and family duties, while boys are prioritised for education," she noted, shedding light on the systemic discrimination that can lead to educational inequality.
The discussion naturally progressed to the issue of menstrual health, a critical yet often overlooked barrier impacting girls' school attendance. "Many girls prefer to stay home during their periods due to discomfort, teasing, and a lack of access to sanitary products," Linderboom stated. She cited studies revealing that up to 30% of menstruating learners experience shortages of sanitary items, driving up the likelihood of absenteeism during their monthly cycles.
Linderboom did not shy away from addressing the linked issue of teenage pregnancy, which she described as a major contributor to dropout rates. "In provinces with high pregnancy rates, pregnancy can both prompt learners to leave school and serve as a consequence of dropping out," she explained. Unlike their male counterparts, pregnant learners face unique hurdles: medical appointments, health issues, and societal stigma often prevent them from attending school consistently.
Though policies exist to support pregnant learners, such as allowing them to return to school soon after childbirth, the implementation of these policies often falls short. "Some schools still expel pregnant learners, despite the policy's intent to keep them in the education system," Linderboom noted, emphasising the urgent need for policy enforcement and accountability.
Wrapping up her insights, Linderboom highlighted several successful interventions currently underway. The Keeping Girls in School programme, operating in six provinces, has helped reduce dropout rates by 20% through providing mentorship, sanitary products, and academic support. "The challenges surrounding these barriers require both advocacy and practical interventions to ensure girls have equal access to education," she urged. She underscored that the path to progress demands ongoing monitoring, diligent implementation of supportive measures, and a collective commitment to fostering an equitable educational environment for all.
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