Senegal has reached near parity in primary school education, with girls comprising 49% of enrollment. The rate significantly changes in secondary school, where the percentage of girls drops to 20%. As they reach their teens, the social pressure increases for girls to assist with household labor or to marry. Having few schools close to home discourages parents from keeping their daughters in school. As a result, the literacy rate for girls and women over 15 years of age is 33%, compared to 52% for men.

Amina’s mother, a widow, was left alone to take care of her and her three sisters. This did not stop her from sending all her children to school despite the hardships, and works several jobs in order to pay their school fees. Amina says, “I admire my mother because she encourages me to work hard at school so that I can get a good job and a better future. She believes that all of us should get an education before getting married and have children. I hope to be a teacher.”