STATE OF GIRLS EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN: A SOCIOPOLITICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Education is essential for a country's prosperity, long-term viability, and development. No country can achieve long-term development and sustainability unless its education system includes both men and women. Pakistan, as a developing country, faces numerous challenges in achieving Article 25- A. The aim of the study is to identify and highlight the issues and barriers that women from low-income families in the country face in obtaining an education from socio-political perspective. Adopting qualitative research approach, A total of ten in-depth interviews with household heads were conducted in order to assess their beliefs and attitudes toward female education. The study uses qualitative research technique to provide an in depth view of the respondents perception towards girls education through the medium of thematic analysis. The study concludes that parental attitudes and choices have a significant impact on female education in the country. According to the study findings, low-income households prefer to spend more on boy child education than on girl child education. The parents believe that because girls are destined to marry and not the prime role of a female child, therefore education is not deemed the prime priority by parents for girls. The results also specify a strong correlation between parental reluctance to education and the challenges faced by education sector of Pakistan. Assessment through this study, strongly indicate a pattern of derelict and unacceptance of Pakistani society to accept or determine the possibility of acquiring educational interventions for a girl child. The study suggests that education should be viewed not only as a developmental issue, but also as a human rights concern. In a country where approximately half of the population is female, their human development strength cannot be underestimated, and investing in girls' education is a topic that should be prioritized.