Why it Matters
Mali faces some of the world’s most pressing development challenges. With one of the lowest literacy rates globally and high levels of child labour and modern slavery, access to education remains deeply unequal—especially for girls. Only around 30.8% of adults can read and write, with female literacy trailing far behind male literacy. These disparities are rooted in a long history of hardship, including colonial exploitation, ongoing conflict, and economic instability. Emancipate HOPE is committed to addressing these challenges by expanding educational opportunities for children and young people, with a strong focus on gender equity. A full report and more details surrounding Mali and its situation will follow here soon!
Overview of the situation
Literacy and Education gaps
Mali’s education system faces critical challenges at every level. While around 74% of children enrol in primary school, only half complete it. Participation continues to drop in secondary education, with fewer than 40% of eligible youth enrolled and nearly half dropping out before completion. At the tertiary level, enrolment remains extremely low—just 4.7% in 2019.
Conflict and Political Instability
Since the 2012 military coup and subsequent conflicts, Mali’s education system has faced major disruptions. As of 2020, over 1,100 schools were closed due to insecurity, affecting nearly 340,000 students. Armed groups have destroyed or occupied school buildings—over 400 in the Mopti region alone between 2018 and 2019. Ongoing violence has displaced hundreds of thousands, making it harder for families to afford or access education. The instability continues to disproportionately impact children in conflict-affected areas, worsening the national education crisis.
Gender Inequality
In Mali, girls face persistent barriers to education at every level. Female literacy rates remain significantly lower than those of males—around 22% compared to 39%. While many girls begin primary school, far fewer complete it, and the gap widens in secondary and tertiary education. At the university level, only about 3% of enrolled students are female, reflecting deep-rooted structural and societal inequalities. Tackling these disparities is essential to ensuring a fair and inclusive future for all.
