When Tradition Enters Into Conflict With Reality

UN denounces millions of Arab girls without schooling
Of the eight million children deprived of schooling in 19 Arab countries, more than half are girls. As in other countries, when they do have the right to an education, they tend to perform better than the boys, repeating less and getting better marks, according to statistics released by UNESCO.

The United Nations Educations, Scientific and Cultural organization revealed that five of the eight million children deprived of a primary school education are girls, the French-speaking African states having the worst statistics in terms of sexual parity.

The report issued by UNESCO on Wednesday shows that investment by international organizations and national governments over the past four decades has seen a substantial rise in the number of girls attending secondary school and average school attendance has risen by two and a half years, which are positive signs.

However, with eight million children still being deprived of even a primary school education, it is clear that there continues to be a lot more to do.