National Summary

Although the constitution of Cameroon outlines that the State shall guarantee a child’s right to education, equal and prolonged access to education is often not a reality for Cameroonian women and girls. 

A variety of factors influence the lack of education among women in Cameroon. Traditional values stifle the chances of prolonged schooling or any schooling for girls. Poverty often forces women to leave school and to work and earn an income for their families. In addition, high rates of youth pregnancy and early marriage impede continued education for many young women.

The government provides subsidies for basic needs such as food and fuel, this, however, limits the budget available for education and healthcare and thus alternative opportunities for training and education are vital.