Imagine two sisters growing up in a small, remote village in Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. Their parents have sent only one to Pharo Foundation's Homosha Boarding School, while the other stays home to handle domestic tasks and contribute to the household. The sister who attends Pharo School Homosha excels in her education, earns a scholarship to a university in Malaysia, and graduates as a computer scientist, securing a job in Nairobi's growing fintech sector.
Meanwhile, the sister who remains at home does not receive basic literacy and her understanding of the world is confined to household economics. She has no aspirations beyond her immediate surroundings because she knows no other reality. More importantly, she lacks the tools to choose a different path. Education gives girls the power to choose, and on this International Women’s Day, we share the story of an exceptional school in the remote region of Benishangul-Gumuz that transforms girls’ opportunities.
A typical day at Pharo School Homosha begins with the powerful melodies of the national and regional anthems, sung by the girls like birds greeting the morning sun. The morning gathering is equally significant, allowing students to hear important announcements or words of encouragement from their teachers and the school principal. And just like that, they are off to their classrooms, ready to embrace the day.
The serene beauty of the school’s surroundings provides an ideal setting for young minds eager to learn. Their faces—radiant with determination and hope—tell a story of resilience. These girls have been granted a rare and life-changing opportunity: a fully funded boarding school education from grades 9 to 12.
Here, they are free from the burdens they would have shouldered at home. In many Ethiopian households, girls naturally take on caregiving responsibilities, often as early as eight or nine years old. As they grow older, these duties increase, limiting their time for education. Beyond household chores, early marriage remains a significant barrier, causing many girls to drop out of high school. Studies show that school dropout rates are significantly higher for girls than for boys, highlighting deep-rooted gender disparities in education and leadership.
Gender inequality continues to obstruct girls' education and leadership potential in Ethiopia. According to UNICEF’s 2018 report, around 40% of Ethiopian girls are married as children, which is one of the many socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to their early dropout from high school before completing secondary education. Furthermore, only 25% of secondary school-aged girls in Ethiopia attend secondary school, and an estimated 10% progress to higher education.
Imagine what the fate of each and every girl would be if they were not enrolled in this boarding school. At Pharo Foundation, we are committed to transforming this reality—championing gender equality in education and empowering young girls to become the leaders of tomorrow. That is precisely why this remarkable boarding school was established as a safe haven where ambitious girls can pursue their dreams without limitations.
Pharo Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for sustainable development, and Pharo School Homosha stands as a testimony to this mission. As the only school of its kind in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, its establishment marks a bold step toward fulfilling one of the Foundation’s core priorities—education. This school fosters an environment where girls can thrive both academically and socially, providing them with a safe, supportive, and empowering space. Beyond education, we offer targeted scholarships for university studies, mentorship and volunteer programmes, and awareness campaigns—such as International Women’s Day celebrations—to ensure that girls not only enroll but also complete their education with valuable experience and exposure.
Belaynesh’s story is particularly inspiring. A third-year Comprehensive Nursing student at Bahir Dar University in the Amhara region, she excelled in her university entrance exam and earned a scholarship from Pharo Foundation. Despite facing significant hardships—losing both parents and coming from the distant and unstable Metekel Zone—Belaynesh persevered. Without the opportunity of free education provided by Pharo School Homosha during her four high school years, she most likely would have been forced to abandon her education altogether.
Her journey is proof of Pharo Foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering girls in the Benishangul-Gumuz region and nurturing a generation of women leaders who will drive meaningful change. Leadership development is embedded in our programs, equipping our students with confidence, resilience, and critical thinking skills to shape their futures.
As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, we emphasise the urgency of closing the gender gap in education. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” calls for bold and decisive steps toward gender equality. And what better way to achieve this than by expanding access to education for girls?
Since its inception in 2018, Pharo School Homosha has impacted on the lives of nearly 300 girls and continues to create meaning change. More than 88 graduates have gone on to join universities across Ethiopia, with over half receiving scholarships from the Foundation. Seven exceptional students have even secured full scholarships to study abroad in Rwanda, Turkey, and Malaysia (scheduled to attend class in September 2025).
By addressing gender disparities in education and leadership, we contribute to building a more just, equitable, and prosperous society.
Call to Action
Achieving gender equality in education and leadership requires collective action. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Pharo Foundation urges stakeholders, partners, and communities to join us in championing initiatives that empower girls and women. Together, we can ensure that every girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed.