AN ANALYSIS OF FEMALE STUDENTS DROPOUT AT SECONDARY LEVEL: ACASE STUDY OF DISTRICT PANJGUR, BALOCHISTAN

Abstract

Dropout is one of the most disturbing issues in education field in the whole world. This issue has not impacted only the males or only females, but it has badly impacted both genders. The factors for dropout of the students of both genders at the level of secondary school may differ. The present study was designed aiming to analyze the contributing factors such as school-related, home-related, economic, cultural, and personal factors, to the dropout of female students at the secondary school level in the district of Panjgur, Balochistan. In this research, analysed and explored the factors that cause dropout and find the solution to the problem. The researcher collected data from the eight selected high and higher secondary schools. Therefore, the population of the study constituted eight female principals (head teachers), sixteen teachers serving as the class teachers of 9^th and 10^th classes, and one hundred and twelve female students dropped out at secondary level schools from the session of 2015 to 2022 which is eight years. So, a quantitative descriptive design was used for the study. Data was collected through a self-developed questionnaire, checked, and approved by the supervisor. The questionnaire was designed on a Five-Likert scale. Frequency and percentage were used as statistical tools for data analysis. It was observed that several factors influence female students’ dropout at the secondary level. The study’s findings revealed that lack of basic facilities, the unfeasibility of a school building, lack of well-trained and qualified female teachers, marriages at an early age, illiteracy of the parents, low-income problems, and long distance to school were the top factors among the dropout causing factors. According to the findings, the researcher recommended that the negative attitude of the parents toward the education of females should be discouraged through mass media. The culture of early marriage should be banned. Transportation for schools should be free and scholarship programs for intelligent and hardworking female students should be launched. School buildings should be constructed at feasible and suitable distances, so that most of the female students may be benefited and be encouraged to get quality education and complete their studies to have a remarkable contribution to the progress of the nation. Moreover, future study suggestions have been given for future researchers.