Spring Newsletter

Study Shows Educating Girls Shifts Roles and Perceptions

Ayesha Khurshid, Ph.D., assistant professor of Sociocultural and International Development Education Studies at Florida State University, recently completed a study focusing on how a DIL education changes the social dynamic and identity of women.

In her study, Dr. Khurshid observed a shared understanding among girls in grades 6-9 who have attended DIL. The study revealed that they view themselves as role models of what it means to be an educated girl. In addition, they understand that the way they communicate and conduct themselves influences how educated females are perceived in the community.

Perhaps the greatest shaper of local public views on the value of educating girls is how they are able to help the family in practical ways. Frequently, these girls and teens reported their abilities as being very valuable to their families, especially when families were not literate.

For instance, literate girls help understand bills, especially when discrepancies occur. This is a responsibility that rarely involves women in Pakistani communities otherwise.

Respondents also said that such practical applications of education have contributed to positive perceptions and higher social status of educated girls in the community.

This represents an exciting shift in community perception from fearing educated girls to valuing them, a change that may not have been possible without DIL’s long-term commitment and generous donor support.