WOMEN'S EDUCATION AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN TAMALE METROPOLIS: THE CASE OF GUMANI, SAKASAKA AND KALIPOHlNI

Abstract

The study is about women's education and poverty reduction. It provides information on women's education and poverty reduction in the Tamale metropolis. It focuses on the relationship between women's formal education and upbringing of girls. Similarly, it provides perspectives on different groups within which the relationship between variables such as age, education, religious background of respondents and their idea about women's education and poverty reduction. Interviews were used to gather data for the study. Information was also got from review of related literature. From the study, it has been realized that poverty cannot be overcome without specific, immediate and sustained attention to girls education. Girls are a source of free household labour and a majority of non literate parents are not convinced that an educated daughter will benefit the family as an educated son. The study also revealed that women are left out to struggle alone despite the fact that they play a greater role in family success or failure. It concluded that for a society like the Tamale Metropolis to develop, it needs a well educated population, both male and female that will be able to plan and move its development agenda to succeed. In this regard, addressing these challenges Government and policy makers should ensure access to good quality education for all girls, so that they can learn to read, write and exercise critical thinking for the improvement of their local communities. Also communication media should inform the public of girls right to be educated and the consequent benefit to families and the nation as a whole.