Gender Inequality in Education in subSaharan Africa

Ombati, Victor and Ombati, Mokua (2012) Gender Inequality in Education in subSaharan Africa. Journal of Women's Entrepreneurship and Education (3-4). pp. 114-136. ISSN 1821-1283

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Abstract

This paper examines the issue of gender inequality in education in subSaharan Africa. It argues that in sub-Saharan African countries, the provision of education for boys and girls is uneven, and biased through gender, location, class and region- resulting to high illiteracy rates for girls and women. The paper concludes that political instability and violence, poverty and economical challenges, negative cultural values, female genital mutilation, early marriage, and sexual harassment are some of the leading contributors to gender inequality in education. Other factors that exacerbate gender inequality are lack of gender responsiveness among the teachers, ineffective teaching, and lack of learning materials, poor learning environment, and impact of HIV/AIDS. The paper contends that gender inequality in education holds back the growth of individuals, the development of countries and the evolution of societies to the disadvantage of both men and women if not addressed-should be at the beginning. Strategies and interventions that have the potential to eliminate gender disparities in education in developing countries are discussed in this paper.

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