By: Nghiinomenwa Erastus
In Africa, each additional year of schooling raises a man’s earnings by 11% and a woman’s earnings by 14%, a study by the World Bank revealed.
As a result three World Bank gender experts and economist are now suggesting that as a recovery strategy from Covid-19 for Sub-Saharan Africa is to tap on women and girls human capital.
The experts wrote their assessment in the International Monetary Fund’ Development Finance magazine last week.
“Unleashing the human capital of women and girls would help sub-Saharan Africa to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen its social and economic prospects, the experts stated.
They said the links between girls’ education and economic gains are well established.
Furthermore, “given the dynamic and cumulative process of capital formation, investments that benefit women today also benefit future generations”.
The Africa Human Capital Plan compiled by the World Bank presents a “4 E” framework to guide investments in women and girls’ human capital:
First is Education and Skills for Future Jobs: saying affordable, quality schools, and skills for girls to prepare for the global labor market.
This involves investing in teachers and creating safe schools is essential to childhood education.
Cash transfers can help more students attend and stay in school. Mentoring can encourage girls to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and trade specialization, including in the digital and green economy.
The experts’ findings highlight that life and soft skills training can help young women develop self-confidence and expand their career aspirations.
Enhanced Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: this involve the utilization of quality, affordable sexual and reproductive, adolescent, and maternal health services.
According to the experience gathered it shows that community outreach and communication campaigns that engage traditional leaders and influencers to change mindsets and behaviors is as important as service delivery.
Economic Inclusion and Jobs: this is in the finance, technical assistance, productive jobs, and income support.
The experts explained that access to capital, support for entrepreneurship, and enhanced childcare can boost women’s earnings and economic growth overall.
Also, policymakers in Sub-Saharan countries should tackle barriers to property rights and formal-sector employment can reduce women’s concentration in poorly paid informal-sector jobs.
Mentors and role models are also another route that can encourage a move to higher paying, traditionally male occupations.
Empowerment and Voice: this involves hanging social and gender norms.
The experts explained that freeing women and girls from the scourge of child marriage, undesired pregnancies, and gender-based violence requires a shift in social roles and norms, as well as more inclusive policies and legislative reforms.
Adopting this four-part framework can be a game changer for sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in development that is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. Email: erastus@thevillager.com.na
