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.