Impact of educational communication on girls’ education in Côte D'ivoire

This article aims to study the impact of educational communication on girls’ education in Côte d'Ivoire. The triangulation of qualitative data collected from documentary sources as well as through individual interviews and group focus helped to identify the main determinants of under-enrollment of girls. Despite the implementation of two strategic plans to accelerate girls 'education (2012-2015 & 2016-2018) and communication campaigns on girls' enrollment, there is a low representation of girls in school enrollment as well at the primary and secondary levels, and many do not complete a full course of study. In fact, awareness-raising efforts hinge on socio-cultural factors, including the persistence of sexist stereotypes, which confine girls and women to their social reproduction function and the inadequacy of schooling to traditional cultural values. On the other hand, the factors inherent in the school system materialized by the upsurge of pregnancies, the poor performance of girls, school dropouts, a still aggressive school environment (sexual violence, physical, verbal, etc.) constitute important obstacles. To achieve sustainable change in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in favor of girls’ education, we propose to mobilize students and their parents (micro environment), community actors, youth leaders, in a socio-ecological approach. School, Implementation Partners (meso environment) and the State and its technical and financial partners (Macro environment) as part of a communication strategy.