Their Voices, Their Dreams: Two Stories of Girls’ Education in Pakistan

In Pakistan, a girl’s education is still far from guaranteed. An estimated 13.4 million girls are out of school in the country today — a number that represents 34% of school-age girls nationwide.

Compared to boys, girls in Pakistan are less likely to enroll in school, less likely to stay in school, and less likely to succeed if they do make it to the classroom, with girls in rural areas being most at-risk of never completing their education. 

Behind these numbers are girls with ambition, determination, and a deep desire to learn. 

Across Pakistan, girls are overcoming enormous barriers — from poverty and sociocultural expectations, to household responsibilities and child marriage — not only to pursue their own education, but to expand what’s possible for other girls in their communities. 

We’re committed to creating a future where girls’ education in Pakistan is accessible and valued. Our signature program, GLOW Club, currently reaches over 120 girls throughout rural areas of the country, connecting them with local female mentors and equipping them with the social and emotional skills to develop their agency, find their voice, and build their power. 

Below, two GLOW Club members share, in their own words, their personal journeys to pursue an education, and their hope for girls nationwide. 

Sana’s Story

In my community in Pakistan, many people still do not think girls’ education is important.

Many times, I have heard people say, “Girls only have to take care of the home.”

These words hurt me, but I never gave up. I made a promise to myself that no matter what happened, I would continue my education and never give up on my dreams. I believed that education was the only way to build a better future for myself.

In GLOW Club, I learned that we should not run away from difficulties, but face them with courage and confidence.

I also learned about Malala Yousafzai and her struggle for girls’ education. When I heard how she faced so many challenges but never gave up, I felt truly inspired. This made my belief even stronger that education is the right of every girl, and that we should remain determined to achieve it. I thought that if Malala could stay strong despite such great difficulties, then I should not give up my education because of other people’s comments.

There is a saying: “An educated daughter becomes the strength of the whole family.” These words have stayed in my heart. I realized that when a girl gets an education, she can guide her younger brothers and sisters, support her parents, and become a role model for other girls in her village.

Whenever I meet a girl who feels discouraged because of difficulties or negative comments from others, I share my own story with her. I tell her that problems do not last forever, but education stays with you for life.

“I realized that when a girl gets an education, she can guide her younger brothers and sisters, support her parents, and become a role model for other girls in her village.”

GLOW Club has given me confidence, taught me how to make good decisions, and helped me choose the right path in life. I am no longer the quiet girl I used to be. Now I speak with confidence, and encourage every girl to believe in herself and her dreams. I want every girl to know that her dreams are valuable and that she has every right to achieve them.

Today, I am still continuing my education, and my dream is to complete my studies and become a confident, responsible, and successful woman. I want my success to inspire the girls in my village and community so they can believe that if they stay determined, never lose hope, and continue their education, no difficulty can stop them from reaching their goals.

People’s words may test our courage, but if we believe in our dreams and make education our goal, we can overcome every obstacle. GLOW Club taught me to believe in my abilities, make wise decisions, and become a source of hope and encouragement for other girls.

Aliza’s Story

I come from a poor family. Life has never been easy for us. Many times, because of poverty, I felt that I might have to leave school. But I have always had one dream in my heart: To get an education and change my life.

I love studying very much. I believe that education is the key to a better future. This belief has given me the courage to face every challenge. We had financial problems, family difficulties, and many other hardships, but I did not give up. I continued my education with determination.

Before joining GLOW Club, I was very shy. I was afraid to share my opinions because I thought my voice did not matter. I stayed quiet, and kept my dreams to myself. Then I got the opportunity to become a member of GLOW Club, and it became a turning point in my life.

GLOW Club not only taught me new things, but also helped me believe in myself. I learned that every girl has the right to get an education, follow her dreams, and raise her voice. Today, I not only focus on my own education, but also encourage other girls in my village to stay in school.

I tell them that no matter how big the difficulties are, they should never stop studying. I encourage them to believe in their dreams, speak up for their rights, and continue their education.

“Every girl has the right to get an education, follow her dreams, and raise her voice.”

GLOW Club has given me confidence, courage, and a sense of responsibility. Now, instead of being afraid of difficult situations, I face them with strength. I speak with confidence, and whenever needed, I raise my voice to support other girls so they can also receive an education.

Today, I am still continuing my studies, and my dream is to complete my education and become an empowered woman. I want to be a good example for my family, my village, and the girls in my community. I want them to believe that with courage, education, and the right guidance, every dream can come true.

Poverty can create obstacles, but it cannot stop someone who has courage, a passion for education, and the right support. GLOW Club taught me to believe in my dreams, speak up with confidence, and become a source of hope for others.

Today, I am moving toward my future with confidence and hope.

Interested in learning more about the life-changing impact of GLOW Club? Check out, For This Teen Mother in Kenya, Mentorship Was a Lifeline.

Global Girls Glow mentors girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Through our signature program, GLOW Club, we create safe, supportive spaces for girls in some of the world’s most underserved areas to connect with trusted mentors, develop the confidence to lead, and begin dreaming without limits. Since our founding, we’ve ignited the power of over 100,000 girls — and we’re just getting started.

This transformation story has been made possible through our valued partnership with Seeds of Hope Foundation, a locally-led organization that facilitates GLOW Clubs for girls like Sana and Aliza throughout Pakistan.