Factors Affecting Girls Education in Liberia

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There are a number of factors that affect the participation of girl child in education. The major factors highlighted in this article include but may not be limited to socio-cultural, economic, geographical, health and political factors. Socia-cultural Factors. A major deterrent to girl child education is a near universal fundamental cultural bias in favor of boy child. The widespread operation of patriarchal systems of social organization, of customary early marriage, of the incidence of early pregnancy (in and out of marriage), of heavier domestic and subsistence duties of females (especially in rural areas), a generally lower regard for the value of female life, all combine to adversely affect the participation of girls and women in formal education in Liberia. To this list may be added problems of seclusion and security in some areas. The influence of this factor can only be overcome by a profound change of attitude on the part of influential males. This may not happen without grass-root and community based approaches initiated by the very community and supported by significant others like government and NGOs. Economic Factor.Together with the fundamental socio-cultural bias in favor of males, the economic factor, especially in terms of grinding poverty and hunger, is probably the most influential in adversely affecting female participation in education, especially in rural areas. In such harsh economic circumstances, both direct and hidden costs to a family of sending daughters to school are perceived by parents to be prohibitive in terms of the provision of books, uniforms as well as the loss of vital help at home and on the land. In most cases, the contribution of females is unpaid and they may have little or no experience of the handling of money, which further reduces their status and power, but increases their vulnerability. Because of the patriarchal

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