Factors That Affect Female Participation To Tertiary Education: A Case Study Of Odompo And Ayeldo Communities

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors that impede

female access and participation in tertiary education, focusing on Odompo and

Ayeldo communities in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) District of the

Central Region. Specifically, the study examined the socio-cultural, school

related and economic factors that impede females’ access to and participation

towards education at the tertiary levels. The perception citizens have towards

female access to and participation in tertiary education was also examined.

The study was a case study with a sample of 33. Since the total number

of respondents in the two communities was unknown, the snowball sampling

technique was used to select the SHS graduates and their parents. However,

the purposive sampling procedure was used to select chiefs, assemblymen and

the staff of GES. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview

guide and analysed qualitatively. However, frequency and percentage were

used to analyse the closed-ended items.

The findings from the study show that lack of proper education on the

essence of educating females is a major problem hindering the accessibility

and participation of females in tertiary education. Furthermore, parents’

negative perception and attitude toward female education also hindered female

access and participation in tertiary education. It is therefore, recommended

that non-governmental organisations, religious groups, government through

the district should organise periodic education and seminars to enlighten

people of the two communities on the importance of educating the girl-child

up to the tertiary level. Also, women role models should occasionally visit the communities to meet women groups and boost their morale to enhance the

idea of educating the girl-child up to the tertiary level of education.