Photo: TDM
Education experts and academicians have identified the conservative mindset and outdated educational system as the main reasons behind the slow progress of female education in Bangladesh.
They expressed their concerns at a programme titled "Education for Empowering Girls: Our roles", organized by Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) at the Bangabandhu International Convention Center (BICC).
Rasheda K Chowdhury, the Executive Director of CAMPE and Adviser to a former caretaker government, stated that the education of women in the country is declining due to the lack of development in the education system, especially in primary education. She also pointed out those girls who get married at an early age in urban areas drop out of school, which contributes to the declining rate of female education.
Despite girls outperforming boys academically in secondary education, many girls cannot complete their studies due to various adverse factors, according to Brac University professor Manzoor Ahmed. While he acknowledged that Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in reducing overall inequality, he stressed the need to critically examine the increasing number of girls enrolling in secondary education.
Experts believe that the country needs a gender-responsive, climate-resilient, and digitally oriented education system that empowers girls to overcome social barriers and achieve their full potential. It is imperative to address the root causes of declining female education and implement effective policies and programs to ensure equal access to education for all.
TDM/FMT
