Author: Dolly Kumari
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/PP/020400010
Abstract: This study explores the cultural and gender-related barriers that hinder the promotion of girl child education in Dhanbad district, Jharkhand. Despite national efforts to improve access to education for all children, many girls in this region continue to face serious challenges that prevent them from attending school regularly or completing their education. These challenges are not only economic but deeply rooted in cultural beliefs, traditional gender roles, and social expectations. In many families, girls are expected to manage household chores, care for siblings, or prepare for early marriage, while boys are encouraged to pursue education and careers. Such gender bias leads to unequal opportunities and reinforces the cycle of educational backwardness among girls.The study uses secondary data from government reports, academic research, and NGO publications to understand how cultural norms and gender discrimination affect school enrollment, attendance, and retention of girl children. It highlights issues such as lack of female teachers, unsafe travel routes, poor sanitation facilities, and limited parental awareness—all of which contribute to low participation of girls in formal education. The findings suggest that without addressing these cultural and gender barriers, efforts to improve girls’ education will remain incomplete. This case study emphasizes the need for community-based awareness programs, gender-sensitive educational policies, and improved school infrastructure to create a safe and supportive environment for girls. Promoting girl child education is not only a matter of academic access—it is a step toward social justice, gender equality, and long-term development. The study calls for collective action from educators, policymakers, and local communities to ensure that every girl in Dhanbad has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Keywords: Girl Child Education, Cultural Barriers, Gender Discrimination, Dhanbad District, Educational Inequality, Early Marriage, Gender Roles.
Page No: 65-70