Why mainstream ODL - Activity 4

Courses MODFL
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1

This activity should take you about 15 – 20 minutes to complete.

What policy encourages participation of girls in school in your country? Identify any challenges that are faced in implementing that policy? Post your ideas in the discussion forum for your colleagues to read. Also, read what is posted in that forum by your peers.

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Re- entry policy is one that allows girls who fall pregnant to get maternity leave from school and be re admitted to school after giving birth.
Girls fail to come back to school if there is no one to help them take care of the baby,they also face stigma from peers and society when they return to school.Some parents/ guardians don’t report to the school about the girls falling pregnant.

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Issuance of sanitary towels have made girls attend and participate more in education.

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Challenges faced implementing the policies include poverty and corruption. People steal from the girls kitty and this affects their education serious.

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You are correct, stigma is a huge impediment to resuming school after giving birth. In your context, do you think ODL might be a good way of going round this challenges?

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This is a very important support aspect for girls. Do you think your government is able to put in place a dedicated budget for sanitary pads for girls in every school? If not, what other measures can be taken to ensure that such provision is made?

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Perhaps we should consider enrolling such girl mothers in ODFL programmes that are well designed and well resourced, which are equivalent to the conventional school curriculum. They would need virtual support though. The programmes should not only target girls, they should also cater for any learners who cannot attend school physically.

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Indeed the idea of ODL programmes would be helpful for

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A policy introduced was on, Increased access to education and providing a supportive school environment for women or girls. But it was a challenge due to Solomon Islands consists of many Islands, and reaching remote areas with gender-based programs can be logistically hard. So, with its diversity of cultural norms affecting women in decision making or to any economic activities.

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Activity 4

  1. What policy encourages participation of girls in school in your country?
    • GESI- A policy which has developed by Solomon Islands Government establishes to overarching of government for achieving gender equality in Solomon Islands. This policy has been developed to enhance inclusiveness and building the understanding of the issues related to gender and social inclusion in the country. These help so many girls now days to get access in education in Solomon Islands.
  2. Identify any challenges that are faced in implementing that policy?
    • Making gender sensitive and socially inclusive policies relating to implementation and building knowledge on them
    • Effective implementation of policy related to gender and social inclusion throughout the cultural society
    • Effective partnerships in the implementation of policy provision related to gender and social inclusion due to varying degrees of gender awareness and sensitization
    • Mobilizing necessary resources for providing services and facilities in election as provisioned by policy relating to gender and social inclusion.
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In Fiji, policy that encourage girls in school is Matua Programme which allows drop outs girls due to teenage pregnancies back to schools
The challenge to this policy is that most eligible girls may not be able to explore this window due to age disparity, family pressures and commitment of the parents.

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Gender Disparties where girls drop out than males due to factors as early marriage, pregnancy, financial constraints and cultural norms.

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a budget can be allocated, however a serious management team should also be put in place to ensure work is done.

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One idea to policy makers iro ODL for women/girls inclusive. Every home (girls/women a must member) must be provided with acces internet facilities and support fund for all feminine items needed.

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I am sure if and when learning facitilities, from every feminine items need together with home access on internet facitilities, factors as early marriage etc be more affortable?

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Girls’ Participation Policy in Fiji

One key policy that encourages the participation of girls in school in Fiji is the Free Education Policy, which provides tuition-free education from primary through secondary levels. In addition, the Transport Assistance Scheme ensures that girls from rural and maritime areas can access schools by offering subsidised or free transportation.

Fiji has also made strides in promoting gender equity through curriculum reforms and awareness campaigns that encourage equal opportunities for boys and girls, including in science, technology, and leadership roles.

:warning: Challenges in Implementing the Policy:

  1. Cultural and traditional barriers: In some communities, early marriage, family responsibilities, or gender stereotypes still hinder girls’ full participation.
  2. Safety concerns: In remote areas, long distances to school and lack of secure transport deter girls from attending regularly.
  3. Lack of sanitary facilities: Poor or inadequate menstrual hygiene management infrastructure in some schools causes absenteeism among girls.
  4. Limited awareness: Some families are unaware of available support services, so they may prioritize boys’ education over girls’.

:white_check_mark: Final Thought:

While policies are in place to support girls’ education in Fiji, consistent community engagement, infrastructure improvements, and enforcement mechanisms are needed to address the gaps and ensure that all girls not only attend school but complete it with success.

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Supporting Girls in Education – Fiji’s Approach

In Fiji, a key initiative that promotes girls’ participation in school is the Gender in Education Policy, which aligns with the Ministry of Education’s efforts to ensure equal access, participation, and achievement for both girls and boys. This policy promotes a learning environment free from discrimination and supports inclusive teaching practices that address gender stereotypes.

Additionally, the Child Protection in Schools Policy plays a vital role in ensuring that girls feel safe and supported, particularly when it comes to issues of bullying, harassment, and violence—which are known barriers to girls’ continued education.

Challenges in Implementation:

  1. Community attitudes: In some rural and traditional communities, there is still a belief that boys should be prioritized in education, and girls should focus on domestic roles.
  2. Teacher capacity: Not all teachers are trained in gender-sensitive teaching, which can reinforce biases and limit girls’ confidence in subjects like math or science.
  3. School facilities: Some schools still lack private and clean toilets for girls, especially during menstruation, which can cause embarrassment and absence.
  4. Dropout rates after puberty: A noticeable trend is that girls are more likely to drop out after reaching puberty due to social stigma, limited support, or early responsibilities at home.

Way Forward:

Policies alone are not enough—we need stronger implementation, ongoing teacher training, and family engagement. Empowering girls starts not just with access to education, but with an environment where they feel valued, respected, and safe.