Malala Fund Seeks to Address Challenges to Girls' Education

The Malala Fund has pledged $50 million globally to tackle barriers hindering girls’ access to education.

Nankwat Dakum, spokeswoman for MF in Nigeria, revealed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Ms Dakum said the funding forms part of the Fund’s new five-year strategy titled Strengthening Rights and Securing Resources for Girls’ Secondary Education.

“This strategy will support local groups, advocate for better education funding, and help girls complete 12 years of education — especially those affected by early marriage,” she said.

She added that a significant portion of the investment is allocated to Nigeria. MF empowered 21.8 million girls over a 10-year period and invested over $56 million.

Ms Dakum stated over five million Nigerian girls remain out of school, with the North-East and North-West worst affected.

“Girls face child marriage, poverty, gender violence, and insecurity — challenges worsened by underinvestment in education. Malala Fund’s strategy will address this.

“We support women-led organisations, demand fair education policies, and hold leaders accountable for education funding. Our efforts will prioritise Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano and Oyo states while also engaging the federal level to push electoral reforms,” she said.

Similarly, MF’s chief executive in Nigeria, Nabila Aguele, praised girls for standing up for their education rights.

“We are witnessing adolescent girls in Nigeria demand education despite overwhelming odds. This strategy represents our promise to support them. Advancing girls’ education demands swift policy reforms and local engagement,” Ms Aguele said.

MF co-founder Ziauddin Yousafzai recently visited Nigeria to meet traditional and religious leaders, as well as civil society groups. 

The visit aimed to mobilise men and boys to support girls’ right to education. It marked a vital step in implementing the Fund’s 2020–2025 strategic plan.

MF was co-founded in 2013 by Malala Yousafzai and Mr Yousafzai. It champions 12 years of free, safe, quality education for every girl everywhere.