MOGADISHU, – Education officials in Somalia’s capital have launched a new campaign to promote girls’ education, highlighting barriers that continue to prevent many from attending school.
The Banadir Regional Education Directorate organized a forum on Saturday that brought together female scholars and community representatives from across Mogadishu. The discussion centered on challenges such as early marriage, poverty, and cultural expectations, which have limited girls’ enrollment and retention in schools.
The regional director of education said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to ensure equal opportunities for boys and girls. Participants pledged to play a visible role in supporting programs that expand access to education for Somali girls.
Somalia faces one of the world’s lowest school enrollment rates for girls, with UNICEF estimating that less than 30% attend secondary school. Authorities say the new campaign will rely on community engagement to change attitudes and strengthen enrollment.
