Gender Differentials In Mathematics Achievemnent Of Primary School Pupils In Wumingu Location, Wundanyi Division, Taita District Kenya

ABSTRACT

Over the past two decades, women limited participation 111 science, technology and

mathematics (SMT) courses in tertiary institutions have been a cause for concern in

Kenya. Women today, constitute over half of the world's population. This report

therefore, discusses the present situation of female participation in SMT in Wumingu

location, some of the factors that tend to hinder females' participation in SMT, vis-a-vis

the effects of this limited paiiicipation on national development. Data for the study were

obtained from a survey conducted in January- February, 2010 in the local government

division area of wumingu location, Tai ta district.

Very rich literatures were got from text books (both edited and not), Journals, Booklets,

the website and great speeches relating to the topic problem.

Questionnaires, guided interviews and focus group discussions were among the methods

used in soliciting for the data from the respondents. A total of 100 students, 40 parents

and 50 teachers were successfully interviewed. This paper confirms the earlier assertion

that female are underrepresented in SMT. It also reveals that: more than 70% of the

parents, 66% of teachers and 76% of students accepted that there was gender disparity in

SMT; Socialization processes inculcated gender biases through the different roles and

responsibilities assigned to girls and boys.

A package of communication strategies are therefore recommended to encourage teachers and researchers to recogni ze prejudicial practices which may still disadvantage girls particularly within classrooms, even where policy and statistics suggest that equality has been achieved. Among the recommendations made were that, career guidance teachers should play a major role in showing girls how to choose subjects combination in high school which suits their aptitudes and, family members should encourage girls to take up scientific programs.