Factors contributing to school dropout among girls in Tanzania

The study aims to examine the factors contributing to school dropout among girls in Tanzania. Dodoma, Lindi, Pwani and Singida were the case areas of the study, in which, 315 people were selected and various methods of data collection such as in-depth interview, administered questionnaire and focus group discussion were applied. The findings showed that, girls’ dropout is high in both primary and secondary level compared to boys while the factors reported to be contributing to dropout were early pregnancies, domestic duties/chores, early forced marriage, gender-based violence, long walks from schools, religious extremism and alcoholism among parents leading to failure to support their children. School administration, parents, LGAs and legal enforcers have not been taking necessary follow-up and legal actions needed to address school dropout. The study recommended that, school administration, parents, legal enforcement and other interested CSO’s should work together to address school dropout among girls.