| Girl students dropout is a serious problem worldwide,especially in the developing countries,particularly in Tanzania,whereby the boys are given more priority for education compared to the girls thinking that the education for girls is not more important,and this has been created the gender disparity for girls and boys because the number of girls who are completing the junior secondary school is lower compared to the number of girl students who enrolled since Mara region is one of among the area which is less caring the girl students education.In contrast,even the girls deserve to be given instructions as boys and treated equally is become low and low for this study was to explore more the socio-cultural factors which lead girl students to drop out at junior secondary school in Tanzania,Mara region,soon after the introduction of Free Education policy 2015 in O-levels.A qualitative approach was adopted by using a semi-structured online interview and documentary analysis.The study involved a sample of Headmasters/Headmistress,Teachers,parents/guardians,and dropout girls aged 12-18 using the purposive sampling technique.The study revealed that the main socio-cultural factors which led girl students to drop out in the Mara region are female genital mutilation,early marriage,early pregnancy,household activities.Community attitude toward educating girls;additionally,a low level of education of parents also led girls to drop out from school.This study suggested that education should be provided to society on the importance of educating girls and campaigning on combating bad cultural activities like female genital mutilation in the Mara region.The study is essential in the formulation of policies that will ensure that the participation of the youth in formal secondary education is enhanced.Through its recommendations,the study suggested the approaches that can be put in place to ensure that participation and retention levels are increased without interfering with culture and studies. |
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