Factors Limiting Afghan and Pakistani Girls’ Access and Participation in Education

Abstract

The developed nations around the world pay equal attention to boys’ and girls’ education. However, girls’ education in two neighboring countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly in Pashtun societies is neglected. In these two countries, girls’ education and their lowest enrollment are placed chiefly at the bottom end of educational system in comparison to their male counterparts and girls are likely to be submissive. In this regard, the present paper aims to explore the factors limiting girls’ access to education in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The literature drawn from the two countries observed that centuries old norms, poverty, early marriages, lack of female teachers, and logistical and infrastructural obstacles contribute in girls’ vulnerability regarding education.