Investigating the causes of school absenteeism and dropout rates of females in selected primary schools in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of school absenteeism and dropout among female students in selected primary schools in districts of Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region. To achieve this purpose, a survey design was employed with a quantitative data analysis method. Primary data sources were obtained from sample areas of different zones in the region by using multi-stage sampling techniques. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and inferential statistics like means and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of respondents believed that girls have to study before finishing household jobs, whereas a few of respondents believed that girls should finish household jobs before going to school. Of the observed woredas, 48.1% of respondents do not encourage females to learn school. In Anlemo woreda, Wolaita-Sodo town, Sodo woreda and Wolkite woreda almost all of the respondents encourage females to marry rather than pursue education. Among the main reasons for school absenteeism of girls it was found that household workload and shortage of food at home were the most significant. As a result, a large number of girls were absent from school in Wolaita-Sodo town, Anlemo woreda and Wolkite town every two weeks. Furthermore, the study revealed that among the major causes of female school dropout were economic problems, marriage and distance to school. To reduce girls’ school absenteeism and dropout, it is recommended that the regional government should advocate female education and create awareness on the drawback of early marriage through social media and school education.