Factors militating against the academic growth of females in the Dangme-west district

Abstract

The main focus of educational management as a discipline is to develop human resources. From cursory observation, Dangme West District was identified as having more females who are not able to further their education beyond the basic level. The study was therefore intended to find out what factors account for females’ inability to study to the highest levels in order to enjoy the needed social status. The sample size of 300 was made up of Head teachers, teachers, parents and the Junior High School (JHS) non-continuing students. Because the study is about them, the JHS noncontinuing students formed 50% of the listed population of the study. The total sample size was selected on proportional basis using the seven circuits of the Dangme West District, namely, Volivo, Asutuare, Doryumu, Dodowa, Prampram, Ningo and Nyigbenya. The main instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire which embodied the Likert-type scale options. The captured data were computed using frequencies and percentages. Findings from the study included some hidden practices against females. It was noted that these females were given over to serve shrines and gods and also to become priestesses. Parents’ inability to afford their children’s education due to high school fees and teenage pregnancy hindered education of the girl child, too. Parents however preferred to educate their sons while their females were retained as traders or farm hands. An intensive awareness creation and education on the effects of socio-cultural factors, counseling and establishment of female education funds or scholarships, would help address the gender imbalance. Nevertheless, the amelioration of socio-cultural and domestic factors that militate against female education in the area needs further in-depth study.