Girls Gaining Ground in Education, But Lifetime Earnings Gap Remains: A Study by Dr. Dumbuya and Semester 7 BBA Students at BlueCrest University College
- Dr Wusu Dumbuya
- Apr 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Monrovia, Liberia – A recent study led by Dr. Wusu Dumbuya, a faculty member at BluCrest University College, in collaboration with his Semester 7 BBA students—Alvina, David, Dennis, and Jonet—has shed new light on the growing yet fragile progress of girls’ education in Liberia. The study reveals that although girls are increasingly gaining ground in terms of school enrollment, significant disparities remain—particularly in the area of lifetime earnings between men and women.
The research highlights a troubling trend: because girls in Liberia often start school later than boys and face more interruptions in their education, they earn significantly less over the course of their lives. Yet, despite these challenges, the study makes a hopeful case—further investment in girls' education could yield significant economic and social returns.
Girls Enrolling More, But Challenges Persist
According to the findings, fewer than 40% of Liberian girls aged 15–19 remain enrolled in school, compared to much higher rates for boys in the same age group. The disparity is even more striking in rural areas, where early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and domestic responsibilities disproportionately affect girls. National statistics show that over 30% of girls in this age bracket are either married or parenting, further reducing their chances of completing school.
Yet, the study also points to signs of progress. Urban enrollment rates for girls are rising, and targeted campaigns from government and non-governmental organizations are beginning to close the gender gap—albeit slowly. As Dr. Dumbuya puts it, “The numbers are still low, but momentum is building. Girls are gaining ground. What’s needed now is sustained and focused support.”
The Economics of Education: Lifetime Earning Gap
One of the most eye-opening aspects of the study is the long-term financial implication of educational disparity. Girls who start school late or drop out early due to social pressures are unable to accumulate the same academic qualifications and work experience as their male peers. This directly impacts their lifetime earnings.
“An extra year of education for a girl increases her earnings by 10 to 20%, which is actually higher than the corresponding increase for boys,” explains Dennis, one of the student researchers. “So every year a girl spends in school adds real, measurable value—not just to her life, but to the economy.”
Visualizing the Gap
The study includes several charts and figures to illustrate the problem:
The Path Forward
The study concludes with a strong call to action:
Invest in retention programs for girls, especially in rural areas.
Provide financial and material incentives (e.g., uniforms, school meals, stipends) to keep girls in school.
Engage families and communities in shifting cultural norms around early marriage and the role of women.
Strengthen career guidance and mentorship so girls can envision viable economic futures through education.
“We want this research to serve as both a warning and a roadmap,” says Alvina, one of the student researchers. “The gap is real, but it can be closed—with commitment, policy, and funding.”
Dr. Dumbuya and his Semester 7 team are preparing to present their findings to education policymakers and development partners in Liberia. They hope their work will contribute to building a stronger case for prioritizing girls’ education—not only as a matter of justice but as a path toward national prosperity.
For Media Inquiries or Full Report Access:Contact BluCrest University College, Monrovia, Liberia📧 Email: Wusu.Dumbuya@blucrest.edu.lr📞 Phone: +231-880-740-387
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