“Wider advances towards gender equality in education more broadly require a shift in approach above and beyond counting the numbers of boys and girls in school. For example, attention needs to be given to how education can empower girls and boys, women and men, to challenge forms of gender discrimination they may experience in their families, communities and society more broadly. To enable more girls to continue education beyond primary level, practices that currently contribute significantly to high drop-out rates for girls, especially in upper primary school level, need to be addressed. These include: damaging socio-cultural practices (e.g. forced marriage, gender stereotyping, or the betrothal system); discriminatory practices in schools and gender-insensitive teaching; school related gender-based violence; child fosterage; early marriage; teenage pregnancy; and parental neglect.” (UN Ghana’s MDG 3 Brief)