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“States shall ensure that women have equal rights with men in education,
including equal access to schools, vocational training, curricula and
educational resources. States shall eliminate stereotypes of the roles of women
and men through revising school materials and teaching methods.”
As we can see, CEDAW’s article 10 covers even the minor issues women face in
the field of education so they really do seem sufficient for the protection of women
in educational institutions but it all comes down to their implementation and how
people are handling it and all the obstacles being faced in the process.
First, poverty is a significant obstacle here as schools impose direct or hidden fees
which forces poor parents to choose which of their children to send to school and
the families are most probable to choosing their sons over daughters here since
educating a boy will likely have the maximum economic benefit to the family. This
also negatively impacts girls from poor families. Poverty is not gender neutral and
the CEDAW Committee draws attention to its gender dimensions.
Second, any measures to ensure equal education for girls must address gender-
based violence. Girls face harassment on the way to school and at school so even
the classroom is not necessarily safe for girls. Male students and teachers sexually
harass and assault girls at school with impunity. During times of conflict, schools
are often (unlawfully) targeted, increasing the risk of death and injury for all
learners. There is an increased risk for girls of physical and sexual violence by
armed forces. Out of fear for their safety, families will keep girls at home.