DefinePK

Abstract

Girls’ education in general and their education beyond primary level in particular is one of the serious concerns for national and international organizations in the context of developing countries, including Pakistan. The ratio of girls’ post primary education in rural Pakistan in general and in the rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), including the newly merged districts, in particular is very low. The issue of girls’ education beyond primary level in the newly merged districts, including District Bajaur, is very dismaying. The aim of this study, thus, is to explore guardians’ decision about girls’ education beyond primary level in District Bajaur. We have attempted to explore the prevailing beliefs and practices about girls’ education and unpack the factors that affect girls’ education beyond primary level. The data for the study come from in-depth qualitative interviews with 18 male guardians/respondents. The respondents consisted of diverse socio-economic and education background. The respondents were selected by employing purposive sampling technique. The collected data were processed and analyzed in line with thematic analysis technique. The analyses are informed by “Equality of Opportunity in Education” and “Equity of Opportunity in Education” debate in sociology of education. The study’s findings reveal that the people of district Bajaur are not against girls’ education beyond primary level provided that their daughters and sisters are provided education in conformity with the cultural norms and in the nearby vicinity and transportation facility. The study findings suggest Purdah (veil) is an opportunity for girls’ education rather than a barrier.