8.1. Issue Analysis

8. EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

During the AWD, countries across Africa took steps to promote access to education, science and technology for girls and young women.

8.1. Issue Analysis

During the AWD, countries across Africa took steps to promote access to education, science and technology for girls and young women. In 2016, the AU adopted the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16–25), which matches Agenda 2063 and the Common African Position on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.2098 The objectives of CESA 16–25 include ensuring improved completion rates at all educational levels; accelerating processes leading to gender parity and equity; launching comprehensive and effective literacy campaigns across the continent to eradicate illiteracy; revitalising and expanding tertiary education; and enhancing capacity for data collection.2099 Since 2010, the AU has awarded the Kwame N’Krumah Regional Award for Scientific Women, which promotes women’s access to education and scientific careers and provides support for their research. The annual Award recognises two African women scientists in each of the five geographical regions of Africa.2100

The Maputo Protocol guarantees the right to education and training for women and girls. Under Article 12, States Parties shall take specific positive actions to promote literacy, education and training for women at all levels and in all disciplines. States Parties shall also promote the enrolment and retention of girls in schools and at other training institutions, and the organisation of programmes for women and girls who leave school early (Article 12.2).2101 To that end, AWD Objective 4 on education, science and technology is threefold: to achieve parity at secondary and tertiary levels and higher retention rates; to increase the literacy levels of women through adult education; and to ensure the contribution of women scientists and their participation in information, communication and technology (ICT).2102