Socio-Cultural Barriers to Girls Students of the Primary School Access to Education: A Case Study of Shomazai

Abstract

This research study investigates the socio-cultural barriers that prevent primary school girls' access to education in Shomazai, in district Swat, Pakistan. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance female education, numerous challenges persist due to entrenched traditional norms, gender roles, and local customs. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study utilizes interviews and focus group discussions with girls, their parents, teachers, and community leaders to identify and analyze the key factors that hinder girls from enrolling in or continuing their primary education. Major themes revealed include cultural restrictions on girls' mobility, early marriage practices, economic constraints, and the low value placed on female education within families. The study also assesses how these barriers affect the long-term prospects of young girls in Shomazai and provides recommendations for policy changes and community-based initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges. By examining the socio-cultural dynamics specific to Shomazai, this research offers valuable insights into how traditional practices influence educational access and underscores the need for targeted interventions to foster gender equality in education.