Our Work

FAWE Forum for African Women Educationalists is the leading non-governmental organization in Africa that directly addresses issues relating to girls’ education. It is estimated that through FAWE’s efforts, 12 million girls and women have been able to access education and improve their standard of economic and social well being.

FAWE improves access to education as well as quality of education and inspires girls to stay in school and learn. As a result of FAWE’s advocacy many governments have and continue to adopt gender positive policies such as free primary education, re-entry policies for adolescent mothers, and scholarships for needy girls.

Intervention

FAWE believes it is important to demonstrate through practical interventions what works in enhancing girls’ education in sub-Saharan Africa. Though great strides have been made in improving the participation of girls in education, challenges persist in terms of their access, retention and performance. Among the barriers that exist in the majority of African countries are poverty, long-held negative attitudes and practices and their consequences such as early marriage, poor management of sexual maturation, the impact of HIV/AIDS at household level, teenage pregnancy and the disempowerment of girls.

FAWE has developed interventions that aim to provide greater educational opportunities for girls and to positively transform the environment in which girls learn.

FAWE’s interventions include:

Demonstrative models

FAWE’s Centre of Excellence, Tuseme  Youth Empowerment, Gender-Responsive Pedagogy and Science, Mathematics and Technology models have been introduced in a number of countries to demonstrate what works in improving girls’ access, retention and performance in school.

Scholarships

FAWE provides Scholarships for completion of a full cycle of primary or secondary education.

Targeted programs and projects

FAWE targets specific contexts and issues affecting girls’ education through interventions such as Girls’ Clubs, HIV/AIDS programs, Mothers’ Clubs, technical and vocational education and training, and education in conflict and post-conflict situations.

Research

FAWE undertakes research on issues related to gender and education in sub-Saharan Africa to buttress its advocacy work and more effectively direct its program activities.

Advocacy

Over the years, FAWE has built awareness and consensus on the social and economic advantages of girls’ education through advocacy. There is need for sustained advocacy at the global, regional, national and community levels.

FAWE advocacy activities include:

• Influencing the integration of gender into national education policies and plans.
• Sensitising parents and communities on the importance of girls’ education.
• Reinforcing the girls’ education campaign through strategic partnerships with education stakeholders.
• Contributing to global debates and advocacy campaigns on education and gender.