COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY IN EDUCATION IN THE WENCHI MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

Abstract

The dropout rate of girls from primary to JHS in the Wenchi Municipality is very high. There is lack of gender equality as a result of the absence of community involvement in gender promotion activities in the school system in Wenchi Municipality. It is for this background that this study was undertaken to assess the level of community participation and the factors that contribute to the low level of community participation in the study area. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to select respondents. One hundred and forty eight (148) respondents mainly parents in the following communities; Koase, Beposo, Manhyia and Akrobi were selected. A Focus Group Discussion was conducted with the traditional authorities, religious leaders, SMS/PTA chairpersons and officers from the Ghana Education Unit. The data was collated, synthesised and analysed with the use of SPSS and Excel. The mixed methods analyses were used. The analyses of the survey data showed that community participation in promoting gender equality is passive. It centers on preparing children before and after school hours, provision of material and financial support, frequent communication with the school, role in governance, motivating teachers, creating awareness on girl's education and monitoring of teachers. However, it does not focus on collecting and analyzing information concerning the school, and assessing available resources which connotes high or active of participation. Schools provide a good environment for community participation in promoting gender equality through P.T.A meetings, sporting and cultural activities. The study recomments that there should be institutional collaboration with community members to embark on educational programmes to educate community members on the need to be highly involved in promoting gender equality.