Factors affecting gender representation in schooleducation: a case study of the Amansie east district

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the impact, both negative and positive, of the factors that affect female participation in Senior High School education in Ghana. Using a case study method, three Senior High Schools from the Amansie East District of the Ashanti Region were selected for the study. Questionnaires were distributed to tutors, parents and students. Using bar chart and frequency distribution methods, results from the 96 respondents of the study were analysed. The study revealed that majority of the parents will educate their girl child than the boy giving reasons that, educating the girl child means educating the nation and the whole household, but educating a boy means educating an individual. Again, it was found out that classroom participation has an impact on the girl child’s ability to participate in school. It was revealedthat teachers didn’t have confidence in the girl child and thereby will prefer to engage the boys in class activities and programmes than the girls. Finally, even though most parents will prefer their girl child to attend school, they won’t give them the opportunity to study programmes of their choice and that is negatively affecting the interest of the girl child in education. In the light of the findings it is therefore recommended that the legal framework should be strengthened to include proper monitoring, and enforcement of the law that supports more female participation in schools. Just writing it down is not enough but there must be action taken against those pulling down the idea of enrolling more girls in schools than boys.