Somali parents value education but face obstacles sending girls to school, says new study. The BBC World Service Trust study on Somali girls' education has been welcomed by government and civil society leaders.
Plus, Jamal Abdi, research officer in Hargeisa, Somaliland reflects on his experiences in the field.
The recent study explored the cultural, economic, psychological and logistical factors that still dissuade parents from sending their daughters to school.
The study was conducted as part of the World Service Trust's "Radio Teacher" programme, which is funded by UNICEF and the European Commission (EC). "Radio Teacher" broadcasts 30-minute educational programmes via the BBC Somali service once a week, providing basic literacy and writing skills to listeners, as well as promoting the education of girls.
Research was conducted in the form of focus group discussions in two regions of Somaliland, and in both rural and urban areas. Both male and female "Radio Teacher" students, parents and educators shared their perspectives on girls' education.
Many of the focus group members themselves were not educated in their youth. They expressed how much they valued education and their current desire to learn from "Radio Teacher". However they faced practical challenges educating their daughters. These were primarily economic barriers (e.g. school fees), and the role of girls in Somali culture, especially the need for girls to be at home to attend to household chores. Participants in the focus groups did not associate education with environmental protection.
From these and other findings, the report gave recommendations to the "Radio Teacher" programme makers and partners on how to use a combination of problem solving, debate and reinforcement to promote girls' education.
These findings were well received at the June meeting of the UN Education Coordination Committee, a council comprised of the heads of education projects from more than 20 international NGOs working in Somalia, as well as senior government officials from the Somaliland Education ministry and others policymakers.
Professional and insightful
"The study was professionally done, insightful and highlights issues like cultural and economical barriers, which need to be tackled and eradicated. We take on board your suggestions and discussion in trying to address these challenges at the ministerial level and in the community," said Ali Abdi Odawa, Director General of the Somaliland Education ministry.
The study was professionally done, insightful and highlights issues like cultural and economical barriers, which need to be tackled and eradicated
Ali Abdi Odawa, Director General, Somaliland Education ministry
UNICEF's education specialist Woki Munyui, who has been keeping in touch with the study since its inception, said: that "the findings reinforce issues which have been identified as barriers to girls' education. Our greatest challenge is how to overcome these barriers, and I believe this project will change the attitudes of the Somali people by highlighting the benefits of girls' education."
Munyui suggested that issues of environmental protection, the educational benefits of which were mentioned least by focus group participants, should be reviewed and the subject addressed in schools. "Currently, UNESCO, with the support of UNICEF, is reviewing the Somali national curriculum and text books."
"Environment is one of the topics which will be integrated together with lifeskills. Innovative activities linked to the environment should be introduced in schools. Children should be engaged in practical activities like tree planting. Child to child clubs in Hargeisa and Bosaso are already doing this," she added.
The World Service Trust has produced and broadcast 50 "Radio Teacher" programmes on the BBC Somali Service. Series three of the programme is now in production. Transmitted on short-wave, BBC Somali service radio programmes can be heard in urban and rural areas of Somaliland, Puntland as well as in Central Southern Somalia, and throughout the Somali diaspora in Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Yemen.
Download the full report here.
Research officer Jamal Abdi reports from Hargeisa, Somaliland, on the challenges and surprises of conducting focus groups with Somali women:
The first focus group discussions were conducted on a bright Saturday morning in mid-December in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital.
Despite the fact that we were unable to secure a female moderator because of cultural restrictions on women travelling long distances away from their families, all the other elements needed to conduct the study had been agreed, and logistical support was in place to ensure that it should go without a hitch.
I drove through the crowded Hargeisa streets on my way to a primary school located about 5km from the office, wading through people and goats – which are unconcerned about sharing a lane with motorists.
On arrival at the school, Ismail, my fixer - who I had given the job of recruiting participants - ushered me into one of the classrooms where I found female participants seated. Moderating a female session was something I had not done before. But there I was, in front of a group of women, required to get close to them physically and emotionally, which is not traditional in Somalia.
There was no other option, so I held my nerve and summoned up the necessary courage before greeting them and explaining the purpose of the session. I could see the participants who had been gazing at me curiously now nodding in agreement.
It’s worth mentioning that participants were amazed to see a male moderating a topic touching on female issues. It was unexpected that a man should come there asking them about girls’ education. It was unusual but it elicited interest. Upon being encouraged, the session moved on, and the women gained confidence and took part. It was amazing to them, “Wow, this guy is really interested to know.”
