The report argues that local community and government attitudes must be challenged if more girls are to attend school. For example, the curriculum should be relevant for girls, teachers ought to be given incentives, and local communities need to get more involved with the issues. The link between educating girls and fewer pregnancies has formed the basis of many development programmes despite weak supporting evidence. Until the 1980s, a primary school certificate would guarantee a job with the civil service - the main incentive for parents to send children to school. Today, however, higher levels of education are required for a shrinking number of posts, deterring parents from sending their children, especially girls, to school.
Girls are more at risk from pregnancy outside marriage the longer they remain in school.
Primary school exams could clash with the preferred age for marriage. Reading and writing skills, whilst useful, may not increase job opportunities. Even if girls continue with school, they are unlikely to succeed in exams. Educated girls are viewed as able to keep their children cleaner and healthier. Schooling increases the possibilities of gaining employment.