Publication - 19 April 2023

From Crisis to Classroom

Understanding the effects of disasters on girls’ access to education

Right now, around the world there are 222 million children and young people – more than half of these girls – who are affected by the horrors of war, disaster and displacement.

Education is a fundamental right, yet in times of conflict and disaster it is often significantly disrupted, denying millions of children the opportunity to have a quality, safe education.

For adolescent girls in particular, the impacts of conflict and crisis are devastating and compound the barriers they already face in accessing primary and secondary education, exacerbating pre-existing gender discrimination and harmful practices such as early marriage and early pregnancy, which have lifelong consequences. Adolescent girls in conflict zones are 90% more likely than their peers in non-conflict settings to be out of school.

This report aims to highlight the impact of emergencies and protracted crises on children and young people’s education, with a focus on the Pacific.

It recommends that the the Australian Government contribute to Education Cannot Wait, the Global UN Fund supporting children to access quality and inclusive education during emergencies and protracted crises.

You can also download the Case for Investment in Education Cannot Wait.

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