Final Gender Analysis and Gender Implementation Strategy for the ACCELERE! Project

project is a 5-year primary education initiative funded by USAID and DfiD that aims to improve education outcomes for girls and boys in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project focuses on increasing equitable enrollments to a quality education environment, improving education quality, and enhancing governance and accountability by stakeholders. ACCELERE! works to support education service delivery in at least 25 education sub-provinces across four target provinces (Katanga, Kasaï Occidental, Kasaï Oriental, and Equateur) in the DRC, including government schools, schools administered by religious networks, and out-of-school youth through accelerated learning programs in the target provinces and South Kivu and North Kivu. A gender analysis was conducted to identify barriers to gender-equitable education in the DRC. The analysis revealed that social context plays a significant role in limiting girls' access to education, with cultural and societal norms often prioritizing boys' education over girls'. Barriers to education include early marriage, pregnancy, and domestic responsibilities, which disproportionately affect girls. Institutional context also presents challenges, with inadequate infrastructure, lack of qualified teachers, and limited resources hindering girls' access to quality education. The ACCELERE! project aims to address these barriers through the implementation of gender-sensitive initiatives and projects. These initiatives focus on improving education quality, increasing access to education for girls, and enhancing governance and accountability. The project also seeks to address school-related gender-based violence, which is a significant concern in the DRC. By working to address these issues, ACCELERE! aims to contribute to the larger goal of supporting national-level institutions in implementing their mandates and providing long-term basic services. The project's guiding principles emphasize the importance of a human-rights based approach to education, which prioritizes the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly girls and women. The project also recognizes the need to address the root causes of gender inequality and to promote inclusive and equitable education for all. By working to address these issues, ACCELERE! aims to make a positive impact on communities in the DRC and to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ACCELERE! project's gender implementation strategy focuses on addressing barriers within the classroom, including enrollment and completion rates, out-of-school children, and school-related gender-based violence. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of monitoring and evaluation to track progress and identify areas for improvement. By working to address these issues, ACCELERE! aims to create a more inclusive and equitable education environment for all girls and boys in the DRC. The project's implementation plan includes a range of activities, including training for teachers and education officials, the establishment of girls' clubs and mentorship programs, and the development of policies and guidelines to address school-related gender-based violence. The project also seeks to engage with local communities and stakeholders to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of gender-equitable education. By working to address these issues, ACCELERE! aims to make a positive impact on education outcomes for girls and boys in the DRC and to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.