WAHI Pandhi, a Dadu town in rain-fed area of Kachho, has a population of about 50,000, with women being a major portion of this population. Unfortunately, there are very few primary schools for girls in the area.

The town lacks secondary and higher secondary schools for girls. Due to cultural norms, parents feel reluctant to send their daughters to schools having coeducation.

This cultural taboo and grassroots level issues determine why girls’ education has been declining in the country. Actually, girls’ education has never been a priority for the decision-makers. Lack of girls schools is one of the reasons for the rise in girls’ dropout rate, which is 49 per cent in primary classes.

Female literacy rate in rural areas stands at 38pc. More than 12 million girls are deprived of education in Pakistan. Article 25(A) of the Constitution makes it obligatory to educate children age 5-16 regardless of gender.

If the state machinery is unable to provide equal opportunities, it means they are going against the Constitution. Lack of girls’ education triggers multifaceted gender-based problems, like female illiteracy, violence against women and child marriages. Yes, child marriage is also a result of lack of education for girls.

According to UN data, there are some 19 million child brides in Pakistan. One in six girls gets married in her childhood, and the unfortunate trend continues to grow in areas like Kachho. The authorities should make proper arrangements for girls’ education as the country already stands 153rd on a list of 156 that feature on the Global Gender Gap Index 2022.

Improper and inadequate education facilities for girls in Wahi Pandhi is a case study showing the attitude of the relevant authorities. There are a few things the authorities can do immediately. The secretary of education in Sindh should approve at least five secondary-level women teachers in the local government high school. A number of classrooms are already laying vacant in the said school.

They should be together converted into a segregated portion meant for girls. This can resolve the problem within no time and with minimal expense.

In the long run, more schools should be set up for girls. There should be a higher secondary school for them. Similarly, vocational training institutions are also needed to shatter dated norms and taboos in this regard.

Name withheld on request
Wahi Pandhi

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2023