Causes of gender inequality in secondary schools in Chad : a case study of five schools in Mandoul region

Abstract

Education plays an important role in fighting poverty and to promote the development of many given society. It is also an important tool for empowering both women and men in the world. Schools in the rural areas of Chad are still experiencing a high rate of gender inequality and this can be testified by a low number of girls in various schools. The study reviewed the existence of gender inequality in secondary schools in Chad, causes and the effects on Chadian society and the ways of advocating gender equality. The research was conducted through the use of Descriptive Case Study Survey Design. The sample was comprised of 115 respondents, from which there were 5 administrators, 10 teachers, 75 female students, 15 male students, and 10 parents from the five schools in Mandoul Region in Chad. The results revealed that early marriage and economic constraints were the prevalent causes of gender inequality in secondary schools. Other causes like cultural practices of genital mutilation, home and school-related causes were also responsible factors for gender inequality in secondary schools. Based on the findings, recommendations were made in order to promote gender equality. These recommendations included the suggestion of new measures or laws by the government on the policies regarding the education of girls. Parents, administrators, teacher and all those officially involved in the education of girls should take up their responsibilities by making sure that both genders benefit from education. It was suggested that a study is carried out in other regions to find out the causes of gender inequality in secondary schools. It is important to conduct a study on the types of workloads given to girls at home in relation to gender inequality. Moreover, it was also suggested that cultural practices and their effects on female students be explored.