Barriers to Female Education in Rural Areas: A Case Study of PEF Partner Schools

Abstract

Purpose of this study was to explore the barriers to female education in rural areas, focusing on Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) partner schools. Girls in the rural setting have a number of challenges that prevent their access to education despite attempts to enhance access to education. The study was conducted to identify those challenges that hinder girls’ education. The qualitative research design was used. Population of the study was all the parents/community member all over the rural areas of Lahore having out of school girls. The sample of the study was five purposely selected parents/community members of out of school girls live in rural areas within the premises of PEF partner school. The data was collected using semi-structured interview protocol to get insights of parents/community members regarding barriers to female education in the rural areas. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, with NVivo software utilized for organizing, coding, and identifying emergent themes. The analysis revealed that girls' education in rural areas of Lahore is limited by interrelated economic, social, and cultural barriers, such as poverty, household chores, security concerns, and mobility restrictions. Yet both parents and girls value education, seeing it as a path to independence and a better future. On the basis of the result of the study, it is suggested to improv financial support, transport, school security, community awareness, parental involvement, and flexible birth-certificate provision time policies to help girls to enroll in school and continue their education.