Abstract
In South Asia, 81 per cent of out-of-school girls are unlikely to ever start school, compared to 42 per cent of boys. The region also faces a significant gender digital divide, with women 26 per cent less likely to own a mobile phone than men. To address these disparities, the British Council launched the English and Digital for Girls’ Education (EDGE) programme in 2016. Aimed at out-of-school girls aged 13–19 from marginalised communities, EDGE enhances English, digital skills, social awareness, and self-confidence through a peer-led model. Trained Peer Group Leaders (PGLs) facilitate club sessions. By February 2024, EDGE had reached over 20,000 girls and trained nearly 2,000 PGLs across eight countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
EDGE empowers girls by building their English skills, digital literacy, self-confidence, and social awareness. Using a peer-led model, girls aged 13–19 are selected as Peer Group Leaders (PGLs) based on their confidence, motivation, and English ability. Trained by British Council facilitators, PGLs lead club sessions for peers in their communities. These clubs serve as safe, local learning spaces, reducing travel risks and encouraging open expression. The curriculum blends English, digital, and life skills, with active support from parents and community members to reinforce learning and impact.
Visit the English and Digital for Girls’ Education (EDGE) webpages to find out more.
In 2024, the British Council commissioned The Social Investment Consultancy (TSIC) to evaluate EDGE’s long-term impact in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study drew on both primary data and documents from British Council teams and independent evaluators.
Key findings include increased confidence and life skills among participants, greater awareness of health and rights, improved academic performance, enhanced motivation to pursue higher education, and shifting family attitudes. However, ongoing challenges such as limited infrastructure, early marriage, and financial constraints continue to affect long-term outcomes.
Citation
Mir, A. A., Satpathy, B., Iqbal, S., & Chiu, B. (2025). Empowering girls through education: A long-term impact evaluation of the English and Digital for Girls’ Education (EDGE) project. British Council. https://doi.org/10.57884/0EJ3-Z654