Educate Girls

Educate girls and change the world:

Inside Room to Read's gender equality work

A girl with a book in her hands has more than knowledge — she has possibility. Yet for millions of girls worldwide, that possibility is still out of reach. Poverty, early marriage, gender-based violence, harmful gender norms and cultural expectations too often close the door on a girl’s education before it can even open.

But when we educate girls, the world changes. Families become healthier. Economies grow stronger. Communities thrive. One girl’s education can set off a ripple effect that lasts for generations.

At Room to Read, we believe that World Change Starts with Educated Children.®

Room to Read's mission is to nurture foundational learning skills in children. Our contextualized approach develops children’s literacy and life skills in a dignified and gender-equal way.

We envision a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow — creating lasting change.

Why educating girls matter

According to UNESCO, more than 122 million girls are not in school. The consequences are profound: higher risk of early marriage, limited economic opportunities, and little say in shaping their own futures.

  • Marry later and have healthier families
  • Earn higher incomes
  • Ensure their children also attend school

In short: When we educate girls, we break cycles of poverty and inequality.

 

Educate girls in Tanzania

Gender equality in education: Beyond the classroom

Room to Read’s Gender Equality Portfolio takes a holistic approach, supporting all adolescents, particularly girls, to develop life skills that promote gender equality through:

  • Life Skills Classes: Workshops on resilience, leadership, collaboration, critical thinking and decision-making help girls build the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
  • Mentorship & Peer Support: Local mentors — called social mobilizers — who advocate on their behalf, ensuring they stay in school and guide them through the challenges of adolescence — with the knowledge and ability to negotiate their own life choices, both personally and professionally.
  • Community Engagement: Parents and local leaders are part of the journey, reinforcing the value of girls’ education at every level.
  • Accessibility & Partnerships: Partnering with governments and other organizations to adapt our programming to meet the needs of girls wherever they are, offering a wide range of materials and approaches.

Our program is one of the longest interventions of its kind, providing support from Grades 6 – 12. Girls in our Girls’ Education Program not only stay in school but graduate and thrive.

Across contexts, our programs boost adolescent life skills — particularly emotional resilience and decision-making. They also drive statistically significant changes after just two years versus comparison schools, proving we are supporting the development of more confident, equity-minded youth.

Educate Girls in Cambodia

Stories behind the numbers

Ambika in Nepal struggled to stay in school. With Room to Read’s support, she not only graduated but returned as a mentor, helping other girls navigate the same challenges.

Vibeetha in Sri Lanka learned budgeting and saving through Room to Read’s financial literacy program. Those skills carried her family through the country’s financial crisis.

These stories reflect a larger truth: When one girl succeeds, entire communities benefit.

She Creates Change: Girls’ voices, global stage

Room to Read’s She Creates Change initiative takes these stories further — through films, books and classroom resources designed to amplify girls’ voices. The series has gained international recognition, including at the Tribeca Festival, South by Southwest EDU, Manchester Animation Festival and Webby Awards, sparking global conversations about the power of education.

Impact you can measure

Our results are what set us apart:

  • 4.1 million+ girls supported directly through our Girls’ Education Program
  • 625,942 new participants in 2024 alone
  • 91% of Girls’ Education Program participants advanced to the next grade in 2024
  • 81% of alumnae surveyed in 2024 were in higher education or employed five years after completing the program

These numbers are tracked through a robust matrix that maps the relationship between Room to Read’s program activities and the outputs, outcomes and results we hold ourselves accountable to achieve—evidence that we are creating lasting.

Educate girls in Vietnam

A recognized global leader

Our work has been honored worldwide:

  • 18 Four-Star ratings from Charity Navigator
  • UNESCO’s Confucius Prize for Literacy and Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education
  • Library of Congress Literacy Award – Rubenstein Prize
  • Recognition from the Skoll Foundation and HundrED Global Collection

Awards like these underscore that we are a valued partner of choice.

Innovation in times of crisis

When the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools, Room to Read adapted quickly:

  • Broadcasting lessons via TV and radio
  • Sending learning materials by SMS
  • Holding mentoring sessions via video chat
  • Delivering books by camel, bicycle, and boat

The message was clear: No crisis should end a child’s right to learn.

Looking ahead: Doubling our impact by 2027

Our current strategy sets an ambitious goal: To double the number of children, communities, and partners benefited by 2027. That includes expanding gender-transformative programming for girls, boys and adolescents of all genders, working with governments to embed change into national education systems.

How you can help educate girls

Transforming education for girls requires collective action. You can:

  • Stay informed by signing up for educational and inspirational newsletters
  • Donate to fund girls’ education programs
  • Volunteer your skills or time to spread awareness and engage your community

Every action fuels the ripple effect of education. When you help one girl learn, you help an entire community thrive.

Final word

Education is the most powerful equalizer. When we educate girls, we unlock potential that transforms families, communities and entire nations. Room to Read is proof: With the right support, millions of girls are writing new futures — for themselves and for the world.

 

Learn more to get involved