THIS is apropos of the write-up by Muhammad Ali (Feb 6). The reference to the Unesco report of 2006 has been rightly quoted and so have been other  references at the national and the provincial level. Everyone agrees that there is a gender gap in  enrollment at the primary and the secondary level.  Quite recently we  conducted a survey at our board which, too, confirmed the gender gap at  secondary school level. In 2005, a total number of 58,061 students (both boys and girls) appeared at the SSC level and in 2010 the number increased to 84,854, of this only 24,100 (or 28 per cent) were girl students.

The increase of girl  students, however, recorded at 10.98 per cent per annum as compared to 8.58 per cent increase recorded in male students.

Similarly, at HSC level, a total number of 43,436  students (both boys and girls) appeared in 2005, but in 2010 the number increased to 56,449, showing an increase of 13,013 or six per cent per annum during the last five years. Out of this increase, the girl  students have shown an  increase of 6.8 per cent  and boys 5.7 per cent per  annum.   It is quite encouraging that at both levels the  increase in girl students is slightly higher than male students.  Our Board consists of four districts: Sukkur, Khairpur, Naushero Feroz and Ghotki: where 70 per cent of the population live in rural areas lacking in  basic facilities.

It is a fact that our  society does not encourage girls to continue education after Class VIII. This is the area where society, the  government and the private sector have to play their role.

DR MEHBOOB ALI SHAIKH Sukkur