Barriers and Opportunities in Girls' Education: Perceptions of Teachers in PEF Schools of Southern Punjab

Abstract

The research focuses on the ongoing challenges and new prospects for girls’ education in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. A survey was conducted with 522 teachers of PEF schools in 8 districts. The study employed Descriptive Statistics in understanding respondents’ perceptions regarding the barriers and opportunities. The study established that there are still several barriers to girls’ enrollment in schools, particularly beyond the primary level, due to poverty, early marriages, nutrition, lack of safe transport, and gender discrimination. However, there were high levels of optimism about opportunities, including literacy, TVET, non-formal education, and public-private partnerships. The study concludes that although there is a framework, there are gaps in implementation, socio-cultural issues, and resource issues, which need to be addressed in a sector-specific manner. The recommendations include infrastructure, provision of safe transportation, scholarships, and challenging socio-cultural issues with a community awareness program.