IMPACTING GIRLS

Empowering girls and young women to be educated, healthy and safe

Across sub-Saharan Africa, girls face significant barriers to completing their education, particularly as they transition from primary to secondary school.

At PEAS USA, we focus on girls’ access to quality education because evidence suggests that it’s the world’s best investment, with the widest ranging returns.

Girls who are educated are healthier, wealthier, marry later, have fewer children, and participate more actively in civic and community life. 

An extra year of primary school increases wages for girls by an eventual 10% to 20%.

OUR APPROACH

PEAS focuses on providing quality, inclusive co-educational provision for all students, whilst simultaneously addressing and reducing the specific barriers faced by girls. 

Strong schools that support girls
Our schools are designed and built to be gender inclusive, with the most appropriate facilities to keep girls safe, healthy and learning. Strong leadership, safeguarding, and cultures promote participation and achievement. 

Targeted support for girls

We provide practical, targeted support to address the barriers girls face in staying and succeeding in school.

This includes:

• Girls’ and boys clubs and mentorship, building confidence, leadership, and peer support

• Menstrual health education and support, helping girls manage their health and attend school consistently

• Safeguarding and wellbeing support, ensuring girls feel safe and supported

• Guidance at key transition points, particularly from primary to secondary school

These interventions work alongside strong schools and systems, ensuring that support for girls is both effective and sustainable.

We also provide opportunity for growth through play and engagement in group sport, primarily through our NetGirls Zambia initiative.

Supporting transition and progression

We focus on key transition points, ensuring girls are supported to move from primary to secondary school and complete their education.

Why it matters

When girls complete their education, the impact is far-reaching.

Educated girls are more likely to earn higher incomes, make informed life decisions, and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.

The benefits extend across generations, improving health, education, and economic outcomes for families and societies.

Ensuring girls succeed in school is one of the most effective ways to drive long-term change.