LOW PARTICIPATION OF FEMALE IN TERTIARY EDUCATION IN TOLON-KUMBUNGU DISTRICT OF THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

ABSTRACT The study focused on female participation in tertiary education in the Tolon-Kumbungu District in the northern region of Ghana. The main objective of the study was to assess factors which affect female access to and participation in tertiary institutions in the district. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The sample size for the study was made up of 86 respondents. These comprised 23 female school drop outs, 36 teachers and 20 parents. The data collection instruments were separate questionnaires for teachers and parents whilst the students responded to structured interview guide. The study showed that female access to and participation in tertiary education are influenced by many factors such as negative attitudes and perceptions, poverty, socio-economic factors, distance to schools, absence of specific access, policies for girls and weak institutional female education support programmes. These things have become major hindrances to girls’ participation in higher education. Another way girls fail to gain access to tertiary education is through the failure of parents to provide adequate care for their school needs. Without support for girls to complete their education, many of them will struggle with poverty and its effects; this will affect their participation in labour issues and decision making later in life. It is suggested that for the society to have full participation of female in higher education, parental support should be encouraged in the district.