Written by: Radhika Gholkar, Girls Education Lead
In South Asia, 81% of out-of-school girls are unlikely to ever attend school – nearly double the rate of boys (42%). Women are also 26% less likely to own a mobile phone than men. To help close these gender gaps, the British Council launched the English and Digital for Girls’ Education (EDGE) programme in 2016.
EDGE targets out-of-school girls aged 13 to 19 from marginalised communities, equipping them with English language, digital literacy, and life skills through peer-led clubs. Trained Peer Group Leaders (PGLs) facilitate sessions in safe, local spaces, with strong support from families and communities.
As of February 2024, the programme had reached over 20,000 girls and trained nearly 2,000 PGLs across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
To understand the long-term impact, we commissioned The Social Investment Consultancy (TSIC) to conduct an independent evaluation in 2024. The findings demonstrate significant positive outcomes, including:
- 98% of EDGE participants reported increased confidence
- 90% said they feel empowered to make their own decisions
The evaluation also highlighted improvements in academic performance, health awareness, and motivation to pursue higher education.