Girls may require specific interventions to improve their educational outcomes and to reduce the likelihood of early marriage. The BRIGHT evaluation links to other literature suggesting that responsibilities for younger children’s care, cultural and religious attitudes, mothers’ own educational levels, food insecurity and school availability are a mix of factors that negatively impact girls’ schooling. Low participation in schooling also seems to be linked to early marriage. Moreover, BRIGHT girls’ educational levels, learning, and likelihood of avoiding early marriage improved at a higher rate than for eligible boys, indicating BRIGHT’s specific offerings motivated families to value girls’ schooling and success in particular. Understanding the unique trajectories of and constraints facing girls and boys is a necessary prerequisite to identifying impactful solutions.
Lesson Learned