Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context and issues
Academically talented girls and young women in Ghana, particularly those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, face significant socio-cultural and economic barriers. These barriers include high poverty levels, early marriages, large family sizes, adolescent pregnancies, and patriarchal social norms that devalue female education. These challenges severely limit their ability to access and succeed in education.
Solution
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CAMFED Ghana provided a comprehensive solution to the barriers faced by academically talented but economically disadvantaged girls and young women. The program, implemented from 2012, offered full scholarships, psychosocial support, personal development, career services, networking opportunities, and leadership training. The initiative supported 4,032 girls through Senior High School (SHS) and 2,140 young women through tertiary education. The program's holistic approach included extra classes, mentoring, and career guidance, significantly improving academic performance and retention rates. The initiative also facilitated access to higher education in fields like medicine and engineering, creating a positive ripple effect in communities and promoting gender equity in education.
Impact
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CAMFED Ghana has significantly impacted marginalized girls and young women by enhancing their access to education, improving academic performance, and fostering socio-economic development. The program supported 4,032 girls through Senior High School and 2,140 young women through tertiary education, leading to better academic outcomes and increased retention rates. Employment opportunities improved, with 34.6% of scholars securing jobs. The program also shifted community attitudes towards female education, strengthened family relations, and inspired scholars to give back to their communities, thereby creating a new generation of female leaders and change agents in Ghana.