The Role of Social Workers in Advancing Girls’ Education and Empowerment in African Countries: A Desktop-Based Thematic Review
Abstract
This study examines the role of social workers in promoting girls’ education and empowerment across African regions, where cultural, economic, and political barriers continue to restrict educational access and gender equality. Using a desktop-based research methodology, the study analyses secondary data from scholarly literature, government reports, NGO documents, and international organisation publications. Additionally, a PRISMA-based flow diagram was used to illustrate the screening and selection process, while thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring patterns in social work practice related to educational development and empowerment. The final review included 49 sources selected through PRISMA-guided screening. The findings show that social workers contribute to gender-responsive policy development, provide essential support services for vulnerable girls, and challenge cultural norms that limit girls’ educational opportunities. Moreover, social workers support girls through psychosocial assistance, mentorship, self-esteem development, and resilience-building interventions, which help them respond to systemic barriers affecting their educational participation. However, persistent challenges remain, including limited resources, inadequate educational infrastructure, weak institutional support, and cultural resistance to girls’ education. Therefore, the study recommends expanding professional training programmes on gender equality and education, strengthening school-based social work support, and establishing collaborative networks among social workers, educational institutions, families, communities, and policymakers. These measures are essential for safeguarding girls’ educational rights and advancing gender-responsive educational development across African contexts.
- Social workers support girls’ education through advocacy, counselling, and mentorship.
- Sociocultural and economic barriers continue to restrict girls’ school participation.
- Family, community, and school collaboration strengthens girls’ educational retention.
- Feminist theory and strengths-based practice explain social work empowerment roles.
- Social work interventions promote resilience, agency, and gender-responsive education.
Full text article
References
Adams, R. (2017). Empowerment, participation and social work. Bloomsbury Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-137-05053-3
Adeoye, M. A., Prastikawati, E. F., & Abimbowo, Y. O. (2024). Empowering learning: Pedagogical strategies for advancing 21st century skills and quality education. Journal of Nonformal Education, 10(1), 10-21. https://doi.org/10.15294/jone.v10i1.1451
Ayenagbo, Kossi. (2022). Impact of Globalization, Women’s Empowerment, and Maternal Health in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review, 4(2), 1-09. https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v4i2.157
Assefa, Y. (2022). Exploring "intersectoral collaboration" towards the integration of indigenous knowledge into adult education programs in North Wollo, Ethiopia. Education Research International, 2022(1), 5075195. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5075195
Bedu-Addo, D., Amisi, M. M., Goldman, I., David-Gnahoui, E., & Pabari, M. (2020). Evidence-informed policy and practice: The role and potential of civil society. African Evaluation Journal, 8(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.4102/aej.v8i1.470
Bhandari, M. P. (2023). Women and society is a major field of study to understand discrimination. SocioEconomic Challenges, 7(2), 78-93. https://doi.org/10.21272/sec.7(2).78-93.2023
Chapin, R. K., & Lewis, M. (2023). Social policy for effective practice: A strengths approach. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003273479
Chapin, R. K., & Lewis, M. (2023). Social policy for effective practice: A strengths approach. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003273479
Chavkin, N. F. (2017). Family engagement with schools: Strategies for school social workers and educators. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190642129.001.0001
Cocker, C., & Hafford-Letchfield, T. (2022). Rethinking feminist theories for social work practice. In Rethinking feminist theories for social work practice (pp. 1-14). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-94241-0_1
Dale, A., Maki, K., & Nitia, R. (2021). A report to guide the implementation of a National Action Plan on violence against women and gender-based violence. Women's Shelters Canada.
Diop, S., & Gueye, F. (2020). Social workers and girls' education in Senegal: Bridging the gap between policy and practice. African Journal of Social Work, 18(1), 58-72. https://doi.org/10.4314/afjsw.v18i1.6
Fergus, E., Noguera, P., & Martin, M. (2020). Schooling for resilience: Improving the life trajectory of Black and Latino boys. Harvard Education Press.
Fofana, M., & Diallo, B. (2021). Gender equity and social work interventions in African educational systems. Education, Gender, and Society, 15(1), 41-58. https://doi.org/10.1080/22151235.2021.1978919
Gal, J., & Weiss-Gal, I. (2023). The policy engagement of social workers: A research overview. European Social Work Research, 1(1), 47-64. https://doi.org/10.1332/SGNP8071
Gilboa, C., & Weiss-Gal, I. (2022). Change from within: Community social workers as local policy actors. The British Journal of Social Work, 52(6), 3540-3558. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcab263
Harehdasht, Z. F., & Saki, R. (2025). Decoding the Gender Gap: Addressing Gender Stereotypes and Psychological Barriers to Empower Women in Technology. arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.26332. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2509.26332
Healy, L. M., & Thomas, R. L. (2020). International social work: Professional action in an interdependent world. Oxford University Press.
Herlitz, L., MacIntyre, H., Osborn, T., & Bonell, C. (2020). The sustainability of public health interventions in schools: a systematic review. Implementation science, 15(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-019-0961-8
Hingston, C. A., & Asuelime, T. L. (2019). Violated by heritage: African women and harmful traditional practices. African Journal of Gender, Society & Development, 51-64. https://doi.org/10.31920/2050-4284/2019/S1n1a3
Hitt, D. H., & Tucker, P. D. (2016). Systematic review of key leader practices found to influence student achievement: A unified framework. Review of Educational Research, 86(2), 531-569. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654315614911
Hoefer, R. (2019). Advocacy practice for social justice. Oxford University Press.
Hooks, B. (2000). Feminist theory: From margin to centre. South End Press.
Jain, S., & Singh, S. (2017). Prerna: Engendering empowerment through girl education. International Journal of Educational Management, 31(4), 518-529. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-03-2016-0061
Kayyali, M. (2024). Career development in higher education: Best practices and innovations. In Advancing student employability through higher education (pp. 1-19). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-0517-1.ch001
Kinati, W., Baker, D., Temple, E. C., Najjar, D., & Mulema, A. A. (2022). Empowerment resources, decision-making and gender attitudes: Which matter most to livestock keepers in the mixed and livestock-based systems in Ethiopia? CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 3(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43170-022-00114-6
Krumer-Nevo, M., & Komem, M. (2015). Intersectionality and critical social work with girls: Theory and practice. British Journal of Social Work, 45(4), 1190-1206. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bct189
Lanham, J., & Moore, E. A. (2024). Transformational learning abroad: Social work students and NGOs. In Transformational learning in social work and human services education (pp. 116-140). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-2407-3.ch006
Lombard, A. (2015). Global agenda for social work and social development: A path toward sustainable social work. *Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 51*(4), 482-499. https://doi.org/10.15270/51-4-462
Lo-oh, J. L., & Atemnkeng, A. E. (2019). Resilience effects on the self-development of secondary school adolescents in Buea, Cameroon. International Journal of Applied, 9(5), 135-144. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.ijap.20190905.03
López, V., Cárdenas, K., & González, L. (2021). The effect of school psychologists and social workers on school achievement and failure: A national multilevel study in Chile. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 639089. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.639089
Mafeje, A., & Okome, M. (2021). Education as empowerment for girls in rural Africa: A case study of social work practices in Uganda. African Educational Review, 37(3), 170-189. https://doi.org/10.1080/1812583X.2021.1928137
Mathebula, V. (2023). Narrating the role of socio-cultural factors in entrepreneurial success: A study of township entrepreneurs (Doctoral dissertation). University of Pretoria (South Africa).
Moshi, L. (2017). Gender privileges: An African perspective. In D. S. (Ed.), The literature of language and the language of literature in Africa and the diaspora (p. 65). [Publisher not identified].
Msimango, L. (2020). Empowerment programs for girls in Southern Africa: Building resilience through education. African Journal of Social Work, 10(1), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v10i1.5
Muhammed, K. V. (2025). Transforming Education through Gender-Sensitive Pedagogy in Promoting Gender Equality. i-Manager's Journal on School Educational Technology, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.21.2.22304
Munzhelele, D., Baloyi, N. H., & Sikhitha, T. (2025). An explorative study on the impact of early marriage on girl child's education in South Africa. International Journal of Research in Business & Social Science, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v14i4.3956
Munzhelele, D., & Budeli, N. J. (2025). Salient underlying determinants contributing to the endemic prevalence of feminized poverty in Limpopo province, South Africa. International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy, 7(2), 324-335. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v7i2.771
Ngobeni, D., & Sekgobela, T. (2025). The destructive effects of gender-based violence against men in South Africa: stigmatising the victim. International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), 7(1), 173-179. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v7i1.599
Nkgapele, S. M., & Mofokeng, S. (2026). The Recruitment, Retention, and Support for Black South Africans in Academia. IAHRW International Journal of Social Sciences Review, 14(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18410225
Nnama-Okechukwu, C. U., Nna-udosen, M. U., Kalu, M. C., Ugwu, C. F., Eneh, J. C., & Uzuegbu, C. N. (2025). Challenges that limit educational opportunities for girls in Enugu state, Southeast Nigeria: Need for social work intervention. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 10(1), 124-133. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-024-00358-4
Noori, M. (2023). Exploring Educational Challenges and Opportunities for Daughters of Sex Workers with Access to Education: A Case Study in Bangladesh (Doctoral dissertation, AUW). Retrieved from http://repository.auw.edu.bd:8080//handle/123456789/180
Ojong, A. S. (2025). Transforming female education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Addressing socio-cultural, economic, institutional and instructional barriers to access and inclusion. Journal of African Innovation and Advanced Studies. https://doi.org/10.70382/ajaias.v7i2.032
Olaleye, B. R., & Lekunze, J. N. (2024). Emotional intelligence and psychological resilience on workplace bullying and employee performance: A moderated-mediation perspective. Journal of Law and Sustainable Development, 12(1), e2159. https://doi.org/10.55908/sdgs.v12i01.2159
Oloruntoba, R., & Akinlade, A. (2022). Gender inequality and the role of social workers in empowering African girls through education. African Journal of Social Policy, 24(3), 73-86. https://doi.org/10.1142/21862392
Palaghia, C. (2023). The role of the school social worker in preventing crisis situations in pre-university education institutions. Revista Universitară de Sociologie, 9(1), 93-99.
Parums, D. V. (2021). Review articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research, 27, e934475-1. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.934475
Pasque, P. A., & Nicholson, S. E. (Eds.). (2023). Empowering women in higher education and student affairs: Theory, research, narratives, and practice from feminist perspectives. Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003444442
Plessis, P. D. (2025). Addressing barriers preventing girls and women from accessing education. South African Journal of Education, 45(4), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v45n4a2725
Poole, J., Rife, J., Moore, W., & Pearson, F. (2016). The congregational social work education initiative: Toward a vision for community health through religious tradition and philanthropy. Religions, 7(6), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel7060062
Pretorius, E. (2020). A collaborative partnership between school social workers and educators: A vehicle to address the social contexts of learners and quality of education in South Africa. *Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 56*(2), 139-156. https://doi.org/10.15270/56-2-817
Randima, L. (2025). Breaking Down Barriers: The Impact of Inclusive Education Policies on Access and Success for Students Living with Disabilities in South Africa. IJLTER. ORG, 24(10), 607-623. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.10.29
Saleebey, D. (2012). The strengths perspective in social work practice (6th ed.). Pearson.
Sekgobela, T. (2025). Bullying in an educational setting in Limpopo Province: Insights from the social work discipline. *Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 61*(3), 650-668. https://doi.org/10.15270/61-3-1366
Sekgobela, T. (2026). Strengthening Professional Resilience in Social Work Practice: An Empowerment Approach. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-026-00458-3
Shaheen, N., Shaheen, A., Ramadan, A., Hefnawy, M. T., Ramadan, A., Ibrahim, I. A., & Flouty, O. (2023). Appraising systematic reviews: a comprehensive guide to ensuring validity and reliability. Frontiers in research metrics and analytics, 8, 1268045. https://doi.org/10.3389/frma.2023.1268045
Smyth, C., & Katz, I. (2016). Child protection and respectful relationships education and best practice in school settings – Literature review & stakeholder consultation. Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Strier, R., & Bershtling, O. (2016). Professional resistance in social work: Counterpractice assemblages. Social Work, 61(2), 111-118. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/sww010
Taherdoost, H. (2021). Data collection methods and tools for research: a step-by-step guide to choosing data collection techniques for academic and business research projects. International journal of academic research in management (IJARM), 10(1), 10-38. https://hal.science/hal-03741847v1
Tong, R. (2019). Feminist thought: A more comprehensive introduction (3rd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429495243
Tumelo, S. (2024). Conflict resolution in indigenous communities: A social work perspective. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, 13(10), 68-77. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v13i10.3789
Undurraga, J. T., & Pokorny, B. (2024). Rural development opportunities through contextual interventions: A systematic review. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-05245-6
Unroe, T., Barnett, R. V., & Payne-Purvis, C. (2016). An examination of self-esteem and empowerment of African American female youth in an after-school program. Journal of Youth Development, 11(3), 26-41. https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2016.458
Walker, J., Pearce, C., Boe, K., & Lawson, M. (2019). The power of education to fight inequality: How increasing educational equality and quality is crucial to fighting economic and gender inequality. Oxfam. https://doi.org/10.21201/2019.4931
York, T. T., Gibson, C., & Rankin, S. (2015). Defining and measuring academic success. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 20(5), n5.
Yu, N. (Ed.). (2018). Consciousness-raising: Critical pedagogy and practice for social change. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315107851
Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Phoke Alpha Rakgwata, Professor R Tshifhumulo
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright / Open Access Policy
This journal provides immediate and free open access to all its content and is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This means readers are permitted to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author, as long as proper attribution is given. This policy is consistent with the Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI) definition of open access.
Article Details
How to Cite
Similar Articles
- Muhammad Naveed, Under Pressure to Perform: How Social Cues in Academia Shape Perfectionism Among Early-Career Scholars , Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review: Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025)
- Mmathato Calphurnia Rammutla, Ndivhuwo Doctor Sundani, Social Media’s Influence on the Attitudes of Younger Daughters-in-Law towards their Mothers-in-Law: A South African Context , Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review: Vol. 6 No. 1 (2024)
- Aklima Akter Tanni, Md. Masudul Islam Khan, Exploring the Gender Disparity in Sports Participation: A Qualitative Analysis of Women's Limited Engagement in Sports in Bangladesh , Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review: Vol. 6 No. 1 (2024)
- Tumelo Modiba, Charity Lufuno Manwadu, An Analysis of Factors Affecting Media Freedom At The South African Broadcasting Corporation , Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review: Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025)
- Cindy A. Ogolla Jean-Baptiste, Lavinia Ogolla, Beyond Legal Recognition: Policy Parity and the Governance of Intersex Health Equity in Kenya , Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review: Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): Continuous
- kossi Ayenagbo, Impact of Globalization, Women's Empowerment, and Maternal Health in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) , Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review: Vol. 4 No. 2 (2022)
- Maria Afreen, Construction of an Industry Cycle Indicator for Profitability Prediction Analysis of Aggregate Firms in Bangladesh , Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review: Vol. 2 No. 4 (2020)
- Philipp Christian Lohse, Increasing Transparency for Consumers Showing Probabilities of Virtual Items in Loot Boxes in Digital Games , Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review: Vol. 2 No. 3 (2020)
- Mmathato Calphurnia Rammutla, Challenges of ICT Integration in Social Work Practicums in African Higher Education: A Systematic Review , Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review: Vol. 6 No. 1 (2024)
- Joseph Malechwanzi, From Profit To Purpose: How Corporate Social Responsibility Transforms Rural Communities In Kenya , Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review: Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025)
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.