Early childhood education and childcare can help women in Africa work and earn a living. A report from the Center for Global Development shows that if African countries invest more in this area, women will have more opportunities to work and succeed.
Why invest in early childhood education?
Today, African countries do not spend enough on preschool education. The International Labour Organization (ILO) says that countries should spend 1% of their money on this sector, but in Africa, it’s less than 0.2%. For example, Rwanda spends only 0.12% of its money on preschool education, and Côte d’Ivoire even less, at 0.05%.
Jobs for women
If countries invested more money in early childhood education, it would help many women find work. For example, if Rwanda increased its investments, it could create over 777,000 jobs by 2030. These jobs would be for women. It would also help reduce the wage gap between men and women.
Women need more help
Today, many women in Africa have to take care of children and cannot work as they would like. This stops them from earning money and achieving their dreams. For example, in Uganda, 83% of women take care of children without being paid, while only 53% of men do the same.
A big change is needed
Investing in early childhood education could help many women find work. But other changes are also needed. For example, working conditions must be improved, and women’s rights at work must be protected.
