In northern Nigeria, women are returning to education through second-chance schools, but they face significant challenges. Many, like Habiba Abubakar, juggle childcare, household duties, and the costs associated with schooling. Despite the initiative providing free education, expenses for transport and materials remain a burden, particularly for single mothers or those without financial support.
The Women Centre for Continuing Education (WCCE) in Sokoto State offers a structured curriculum aimed at empowering women, yet cultural norms still hinder many from pursuing education. Early marriage and poverty often lead families to prioritise boys’ education over girls’, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.
Women like Fatima Attahir, who left school years ago, are determined to overcome these barriers. They often find themselves balancing studies with family responsibilities, leading to exhaustion and difficulty in maintaining focus in class. The initiative, while beneficial, highlights the need for broader societal changes to support women’s education.
As these women strive for better futures, their experiences underscore the importance of addressing not just educational access, but also the underlying social and economic factors that limit opportunities for women in Nigeria. Their journeys reflect a growing recognition of the need for systemic change to empower women through education.
Source: Al Jazeera
