A recent investigation, titled ‘Educating the Girl Child: Role of Incentivisation and other enablers and disablers,’ organised by CRY (Child Rights and You – a non-governmental organization), has shed some light on the underlying causes leading to girls dropping out of higher secondary schools. The study encompasses four Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Haryana, with data sourced from 3,000 interviews held in 1,604 households across these regions.
The Underlying Causes behind School Dropouts
The primary reasons leading to female school dropouts are quite diverse. Early marriage is a significant reason, primarily driven by fear of romantic relationships or elopement. Additionally, parents’ concerns about their daughters’ physical safety while pursuing higher education is another influential factor.
The Impact of Predetermined Gender Roles
Predetermined gender roles also contribute significantly to the dropout rates. The absence of female teachers in schools discourages certain girls from attending, as they lack relatable role models. Furthermore, household chores and expectations place substantial pressure on girls to prioritise work at home over their studies.
Infrastructure and Financial Barriers
Poor infrastructure, such as bad roads and inadequate transport facilities, acts as additional disincentives in some states. Also, lack of access to basic sanitary facilities during menstruation leads to many girls missing school. Moreover, the cost of education and child labour emerges as two other significant deterrents to girls’ education.
Unawareness of Government Schemes
Surprisingly, many people are uninformed about government initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, designed to support girls’ education. Even those who are aware often fail to take advantage of these provisions due to factors like delayed distribution of scheme benefits, stringent eligibility criteria, complex processes, and a disconnect between the advantages offered by the schemes and the actual needs of the girls and their families.
Key Facts from the Study
| Reason | Effect on School Dropout |
|---|---|
| Early marriage | Significant contributor |
| Physical security concerns | Major influence on parents’ decision |
| Lack of female teachers | Discourages attendance |
| Poor infrastructure | Acts as a deterrent |
| Cost of education and child labour | Significant deterrents |
| Unawareness of government schemes | Prevents availing benefits |
Suggestions for Improvement
The study indicates some effective ways to combat these issues. An enabling environment can be fostered by increasing self-motivation or parental and community encouragement. Additionally, raising awareness about different government schemes can help people reap their benefits, thereby making a difference in the landscape of girl’s education.