SYED SHAHABUDDINSWAT: Despite the modern era in Swat, girls still lack tertiary education after matriculation. There was a time when girls’ education was considered a handicap in Pashtun society, but over time this culture has kept changing and now there is a school for boys, there is also a school for girls in one form or another.
However, social and traditional values, early marriage and lack of higher education institutions along with economic depression are still major obstacles to higher education for girls.
A 12th class student, Imama is studying in a private educational institute, but she is afraid where she will study after FSC. She said the main barriers to girls’ education are social issues, while family barriers are separate. At the moment, my intention is something else, but my family wants me not to go to university and I will have to go into another field, adding that these are the reasons why girls lack further education, she said.
Imama said that parents pay attention to the education of sons, but they hinder the education of daughters by going to someone else’s house.
Another student, Laiba, said that high merit in educational institutions is also becoming a big hurdle in girls’ education. “High merits in government institutions and high fees in private institutions put girls in trouble and if these problems are solved, girls can get education.” she said.
Another girl, Saima, said she wanted to continue her studies, but due to a childhood engagement, she is now going to quit her studies in 11th. class because her parents arranged her marriage.
She stated that early marriage is the biggest problem that deprives girls of education.
“Despite the efforts of the government and the constant struggle of non-governmental organizations that deal with education, girls are facing problems in education.”
Huma Shakar, head of Pakwin (an NGO) and an education expert, said that according to his survey, every year 6,000 to 7,000 matriculating girls get married after saying goodbye to education or are not given the opportunity to further their education.
She said that we have done research that thousands of girls drop out of education after matriculation and one of the main reasons is lack of educational institutions.
Huma Shakar further said that in some areas, parents want their daughters to get education but unfortunately lack of educational institutions or their economic conditions do not allow them to send their daughters to distant cities.
“Local traditions also become obstacles in the way of education outside the home.” she said.
Social worker Ruma said that according to our research, most widows want to teach their daughters, but their financial situation does not allow them to do so, adding that mothers are more desirable than fathers in the society, but fathers and other men in the family stand in the way.
Fawad Ali, a father, said that we need to change our thinking about the importance of knowledge and give opportunities to girls like boys so that they can become useful citizens of the society and help this country and their nation.
Education experts said if steps are taken to increase the burden of higher education facilities and fees in every region to support education, girls too can realize their future dreams at their doorstep.
