Factors Influencing Gender Disparities In Pupils' Access And Retention''in Primary Schools In Chinato Zone- Kuria District

ABSTRACT

Despite the fact that education is a fundamental human right, as an end to itself or as a means of participating in social- economic and other development activities, the high drop out rates in primary school in Kuria district Chinato zone found in western Kenya is amazing. The researcher wanted to find out if there is any deviation in the girl child's access and retention in

schools with the introduction n ofFPE in the year 2003. the purpose of the study is to investigate the causes of gender disparities in pupil's access and retention in primary schools in Chinato Zone Kuria District. The study made use of samples of schools. Using simple random sampling technique by use of lottery method. Out of 13 primary school in the zone the researcher intends to use the sample of 3 schools.

From the sampled schools five pupils and one head teacher were selected from each school thus make a total of 15 pupils and three head teachers. The snow ball sampling technique was used to get data from the community members who made a total of four from each location.

Data collected using questionnaires for pupils and interviews for head teacher and the community around the school. Observational skills were used to get data on the courses of the

gender disparities in pupils' access and retention in schools.

The researcher will analyze the data using simple statistics such as tables, figures and charts.

The result revealed that major factors influencing gender disparities in pupils access and retention in primary education are early marriages, cultural practices such as Female Genital

Mutilation (FGM), unwanted pregnancies, border business, parents illiteracy, family poverty, child labour, Jack of motivation, Jack of parental care, peer pressure and poor performance. To reduce this glaring gender gap, it is recommended that there should be popular mobilization

on the importance of education to the girl child.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration ........................................................................................... .i

Approval. ................................................................................................. .ii

Dedication ............................................................................................... .iii

Acknowledgement. .................................................................................. .iv

Abbreviation and acrononyms ....................................................................... v

Definition ofterms ................................................................................... vi

Abstract. ................................................................................................. vii

Table of contents .................................................................................... ix

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of the study ....................................•.•.............................•.. 1

1.1 Problem statement. ............................................................................... 2

1.2 Objectives ofthe study ......................................................................... .3

1.3 Significance of the study ........................................................................ .4

1.4 Scope of the study .............................................................................. .4

1.5 Limitations of the study .......................................................................... .5

1.6 Conceptual frame work .......................................................................... 6

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction ....................................................................................... 7

2.1 Socio-caltural attitudes and practices ............................................................ 8

2.2 Girl child labour. ................................................................................. 9

2.3 Household based problems ..................................................................... ! 0

2.4 School Based problems .......................................................................... I 0

2.5 Unwanted pregnancies .......................................................................... II

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction .........................................................•.....................•...... 13

3.!Research design .................................................................................... 13

3.2 Areaofstudy .................................................................................... 14

3.3 Data types and sources ......................................................................... 15

3.4 Sample and sampling techniques .............................................................. .15

3.5 Instruments of data collection ................................................................... .15

3.6 Ethical consideration ............................................................................... 16

3.7 Data analysis ...................................................................................... !6

viii

CHAPTER FOUR:

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS ANTPRETATION OF DATA

4.0 Introduction ............................................................................... 17

4.1 presentations of findings---------------------------------------------------------- .-----17

4.2 Factors affecting enrolment and retentions of girls in school. ..................... 20

4.3 Community's perception on education of girls ....................................... 22

4.4 The government's and NGO's initiative over this issue ............................. 23

4.5. The local's suggestion on ways of ensuring gender parity in

access and retention to education ....................................................... 23

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

5.0 Introduction ................................................................................ 24

5.1 Summary .................................................................................. 24

5.2 Conclusion ................................................................................. 25

5.3 Recommendations ........................................................................... 26

5.4 Areas of further research ................................................................. 26

References .................................................................................. 27

Appendices .................................................................................. 29