Education is a fundamental right, yet educational disparities persist worldwide, affecting vulnerable populations, especially girls and women. This blog delves into the sobering statistics surrounding educational inequalities in Nigeria and extends the discussion to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Canada and the United States.

Educational Disparities in Nigeria

Educational disparities in Nigeria are striking, with a high number of out-of-school children, notably girls, facing cultural and financial barriers to enrollment. UNESCO reported that 10.5 million Nigerian children were out of school in 2018, disproportionately affecting girls. Literacy rates reveal a significant gender gap, with adult women at 50.4% compared to 66.5% for men.

This gap extends to higher education, where women represent only 41.6% of undergraduate students in Nigerian universities as of 2020. These disparities have direct economic consequences, limiting women’s employment opportunities and perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality.

GBV in North America

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pressing issue in North America, affecting both Canada and the United States. In Canada, GBV, particularly Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), is a pervasive problem, impacting diverse communities regardless of socio-economic factors or cultural backgrounds.

Notably, Black and racialized communities in Canada experience higher rates of self-reported spousal violence, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention. Immigrant populations in Canada also face unique challenges due to settlement processes and cultural barriers, making them more vulnerable to GBV.

GBV is not limited to specific communities; it affects Canadian society as a whole, with statistics revealing that a significant percentage of women and men in Canada have experienced sexual or physical assault by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

In the United States, GBV and IPV are widespread issues that affect individuals across different income levels. Financial abuse is a common tactic among abusers. Additionally, lower education levels are associated with a higher risk of experiencing GBV. GBV intersects with race in the United States, disproportionately affecting communities of color, particularly Black and Indigenous communities, and women of color.

The prevalence of GBV in both countries underscores the need for national awareness and intervention. Collaboration between governments, organizations, and communities is essential to combat GBV effectively through education, support services, and legal reforms.

“My Heart Cries for Justice”

Folashade Ajiboye’s “My Heart Cries for Justice” is a literary work that addresses these complex societal challenges. The novel revolves around Tife, a young girl whose educational aspirations are thwarted by societal norms and external circumstances. Tife’s journey serves as a potent testament to the struggles girls endure in their pursuit of education and justice. Literature like “My Heart Cries for Justice” encourages open dialogues, raises awareness, and motivates individuals to work collectively towards societies where educational opportunities are accessible to all, GBV is eliminated, and justice prevails.