Girl Child Education Research Articles

Correlates of repeat pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundAdolescent girls and young women are vulnerable populations who are at risk of several adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortions, and death from pregnancy-related complications. In this study, we examined the correlates of repeat pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodsWe extracted data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 31 countries in SSA. Countries whose surveys were conducted from 2010 to 2020 were included in the study. A total of 108,572 adolescent girls and young women (15–24 years) were included in the study. We used a multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression analysis to examine the correlates of repeat pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women in SSA.ResultsWe found that adolescent girls and young women aged 20–24 [aOR = 2.36; 95%CI = 2.22, 2.51], those married [aOR = 7.52; 95%CI = 6.81, 8.30], living with a partner [aOR = 7.51; 95%CI = 6.87, 8.21], and those who had sexual intercourse before age 20 [aOR = 1.41; 95%CI = 1.33, 1.51] had higher odds of experiencing repeat pregnancies compared to those aged 15–19, those never in a union, those whose first sexual intercourse occurred at age 20 and above, respectively. Respondents exposed to listening to radio [aOR = 1.12; 95%CI = 1.06, 1.18] and those who justified intimate partner violence [aOR=1.13; 95%CI = 1.07, 1.19] had higher odds of experiencing repeat pregnancies compared to those who never listened to radio and those who did not justify intimate partner violence, respectively. Young women who had attained secondary or higher educational level [aOR = 0.83; 95%CI = 0.78, 0.90], those exposed to reading newspaper or magazine [aOR = 0.90; 95%CI = 0.82, 0.98], those residing in rural areas [aOR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.86, 0.98], and those belonging to the richer [aOR = 0.87; 95%CI = 0.80, 0.95] and richest [aOR = 0.68; 95%CI = 0.61, 0.76] wealth quintile were less likely to experience repeat pregnancies.ConclusionThe correlates of repeat pregnancies include age, age at first sexual intercourse, marital status, exposure to media, justification of intimate partner violence, wealth index, educational attainment, and place of residence. The findings underscore the need for governments and policymakers in SSA to implement policies that target the most at-risk groups: those with no formal education, the poor, and adolescent girls. Our findings also highlight the need to strengthen advocacy against the justification of intimate partner violence and intensify girl-child education.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy for Huge Uterine Fibroid in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Report

Abstract The prevalence of extensive and multiple uterine fibroids among the Black African population is a significant concern, as it limits the available management options. The focus on girl child education and improvement in women empowerment have contributed to an increased demand for less invasive options in the management of uterine fibroids. This trend aims to improve cosmesis and, more importantly, facilitate an early return to work and normal activity. In sub-Saharan Africa, the available management options for uterine fibroids have primarily been limited to abdominal myomectomy and hysterectomy. However, anecdotal reports indicate the use of less invasive management options such as uterine artery embolization, laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation, and laparoscopic myomectomy. These interventions are reserved for small- and medium-sized fibroids, with the largest being <15 cm and usually not more than five myoma nodules. We present a case report of laparoscopic myomectomy for a huge uterine fibroid weighing 2.4 kg in a nulliparous patient. In well-selected, properly evaluated patients with large subserous uterine fibroids, laparoscopic myomectomy emerges as a viable option that could be offered as an armamentarium in the management of huge fibroids, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sexual autonomy and the use of modern contraceptives in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2018 demographic and health survey.

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and relationship between sexual autonomy and modern contraceptive use among Nigerian women. Secondary data analysis of the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey was conducted among Nigerian women aged 15-49 years who were married or had a partner. Analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Participants that had never heard or seen a family planning awareness message were 59.6%, whereas 55.9% were capable of deciding whether to refuse their husband/partner's sex or not. The prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 12%, and the likelihood of using modern contraceptives increased with the level of education, wealth status, and the number of living children. Sexual autonomy was also a significant predictor of modern contraceptive use (odds ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-1.46). There is a very low prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women in Nigeria. Sexual autonomy, poverty, education, and the number of living children play a major role. Thus, women empowerment and girl-child education are critical interventions needed for the best outcomes on contraceptive use in Africa. Male involvement in sexual autonomy is also key since they are major decisionmakers regarding women's issues.

Contextualizing High Teenage Pregnancies and Its Effects on Education in Mt. Elgon Area, Kenya

The obstacles to the developmental milestones of young girls in Mount Elgon Sub-County can be seen from the rate at which the girls are dropping out of school due to early pregnancies, early marriages, sexually transmitted diseases, and the stigma associated with them. This study sought to understand the status of, causes, and effects of teenage pregnancy on education in the Mt. Elgon area, Kenya. This was an exploratory qualitative study based on snow bawling and a sample saturation approach. It involved in-depth interviews among twelve (12) affected households including interviews with eight (8) teenage mothers, three (3) teachers, two (2) school principals, and nine (9) local community gatekeepers/leaders. Findings indicate that teenage pregnancy is a rampant and common problem in Mt. Elgon. However, it is more acute in areas that bore the brunt of ethnic conflicts in the region. Teenage pregnancy and early marriages are partly responsible for the low enrolment of girls in schools across Mt. Elgon. According to the respondents, it all started in 1992 with the tribal clashes and subsequent cyclic conflicts with the most notable being the 2006/8 conflict in Mt. Elgon. The conflicts disintegrated and dislocated many families, a factor that compromised the ability of many households to get means of subsistence. After the conflict, the Government responded by constructing settlements for the returnees whose sizes turned out to be very small and non-conducive dwelling units for parents and their adolescent children. Several parents are forced to send their adolescent children to spend the night at neighbours, a factor that exposes such young girls to sexual abuse and early pregnancies. Teenage pregnancy has greatly affected girl child education as those pregnant are often married off early by their parents. The study recommends that efforts be made to address the impacts of the conflicts in Mt. Elgon. Poor parents should be supported by the government to build simple but spacious houses to provide ample sleeping space for their children. Advocacy campaigns promoting the education of girls should be launched. Rescue centres should be established to support teenage mothers in with technical skills and those willing to continue with their formal education are supported to do so.

Analysis of The Influence of Socio-cultural Factors on Education of the Girl-child in Mubi Education Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of socio-cultural factors on the girl-child education in Mubi Education Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study was a causal comparative research by design. The population of the study comprised all the female students of secondary schools in the five Local Government Areas of Mubi Education Zone. From the population, four out of the five Local Government Areas of the Education Zone were sampled using balloting method of simple random sampling technique and from each; two secondary schools were also randomly selected making a total of eight schools. Then from each of the eight secondary schools, fifty female students were sampled making a total of four hundred students. Three research questions and four hypotheses were postulated for the study. A set of structured questionnaire was the instrument used for the data collection where the data was analyzed using t-test statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). From the results of the findings of the study, it revealed that: socio-cultural factors contributed significantly to the influence of girl-child education in the zone; the challenges facing the girls to some extent differ between rural and urban areas; there was significant difference between the mean scores of the factors hindering the girl-child education based on religion; just to mention but a few. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that there is the need for cross cultural, interfaith and social integration as a way of encouraging parents to bring education to the doorstep of the girl-child in Nigeria; that the government and other stakeholders especially in women affairs in the study area should endeavour to constantly promote positive socio-cultural integration by preaching peaceful coexistence among people of differently socio-cultural background; and ways of creating favourable conditions which can discourage societal preference for male children and the traditional belief that the position of a woman is in the kitchen.

Poverty: As an Impediment to Girl-Child Education in Akoko Ondo State

In recent times, attention has been focused on girl-child education globally and particularly in developing countries. Female-child education is very crucial for the development of any society such that any deliberate neglect of their education could cause danger for the entire society. This is so because female education has been found to have a more significant impact on poverty reduction, reduction of HIV/AIDs and provision of sustainable development. Unfortunately, many factors have been impeding girl-child education in Nigeria. The paper, therefore examined poverty as an impediment to girl-child education in Akoko, Ondo State.The paper was qualitative research. Data were obtained from 200 respondents who are mostly parents using a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher. The questionnaire was duly validated and inferential method was used to analyze the data collected. Results from the study revealed indices of poverty such as low earning of some parents, poor parental educational attainment, some parents being poor and having too many children as issues impeding girl-child education in Akoko, Ondo State that need to be addressed. It was concluded that children, respective of their gender be given equal access and opportunities of qualitative education to enable them reach their full potentials and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that government should make education compulsory, free and affordable to all children especially the girl-child, provision of employment opportunities to citizens to empower them to be financially stable to cater for their family need, sensitization of members of public on the number of children they could have and provision of interest free student loans especially to the girl children.&#x0D;

Community-Based Radio towards Effective Girl-Child Education in Kumbungu District

Girl-child is a biological female offspring from birth to eighteen (18) years of (Offorma, 2009). Girls’ education is also about ensuring that girls learn and feel safe while in school; complete all levels of education with the skills to effectively compete in the labor market; learn the socio-emotional and life skills necessary to navigate and adapt to a changing world; make decisions about their own lives and contribute to their communities and the world (Tembon &amp; Fort, 2008). Community radio is a radio of the people by the people and for the people which need to broadcast developmental programs. Community radio should be able to broadcast educational related programs like youth speak up, especially with respect to Girl-child education. This will help change the perception of the local people about educating the girl-child. It is within this perspective that, community radio can be used as a tool towards enhancing Girl-child education towards an ameliorated national development within Kumbungu District using the Mixed Method Approach (Quantitative and Qualitative methods), and informants’ interviews and; Semi-structured questionnaires for household interviews to assess how community-based radio can be used to bring about effective Girl-Child education. The study also used both secondary and primary data with the help of self-administered questionnaire. 150 respondents were interviewed within 5 communities in the study area using both simple random and purposive sampling. It was realized that, there was least participation of members in programing within the study area. It was also found that factors such as age, marital status, and community radio influence, perception of Girl-Child education and program influenced were independent variables that influenced effective radio programs listening towards Girl-Child education.

Community-Based Radio towards Effective Girl-Child Education in Kumbungu District

Community-Based Radio towards Effective Girl-Child Education in Kumbungu District

The relationship between quality of instructional materials and girl-child education at primary school level in Oyam district, Lango sub-region, Uganda

Purpose: The main aim of this research was to determine the relationship between the quality of instructional materials and girl-child’ education in Oyam district. This thrust is significance of quality of instructional materials to girl-child’ education remains central because they have tremendous influence in the quality of teaching and learning of pupils as well as the extent of attention, they pay attention to lessons while in classrooms. This suggests that schools that fail to provide quality of instructional materials may hardly achieve the best in their pupils especially in the area of academic performance. This scenario continues to be among the reasons for wider disparities in the performance of girl-child and boys in a number of districts.&#x0D; Methodology: The study was guided by the cross-sectional survey using a mixed methods approach. Structured questionnaires administered to 139 respondents. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.&#x0D; Results: The results reveal that quality of instructional materials (p&lt;0.01,) significantly predict girl-child’ education. Also, the quality of instructional materials appears have a significant effect on girl-child’ education in Oyam district. It is therefore proposed that the Ministry of Education considers providing instructional materials as a matter of priority if academic performance of both boys and girl-child is to be improved. Further, the school authorities should devise means of ensuring that they have in place some instructional materials. This should be through a number of initiatives such as getting photocopies of some of the key resource books or providing teachers with instructional materials such that they could develop their own instructional materials where applicable.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The outcomes of this study supportive to both theory and policy on primary school education system especially concerning girl-child education because of its significance in sustainable development.

Effects of Socio-Cultural Practices on Humanitarian Response for Girl-Child Education among South Sudanese Girls in Kakuma Camp, Kenya

Gender disparity pervades global society due to socio-cultural practices that tend to disfavor girls. Despite previous humanitarian responses, girl-child education still has numerous constraints due to socio-cultural practices. This situation exacerbates doubly during humanitarian emergencies. South Sudanese girls are often denied the same educational opportunities as boys in Kakuma Camp due to cultural attitudes and poverty. The general objective of the study was to investigate the socio-cultural practices affecting humanitarian response towards girl-child education among South Sudanese of Kakuma camp, Kenya. the study was underpinned by a conceptual framework anchored on two theories, namely, socio-cultural theory and theory of Change. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design and evaluative research design. The study was conducted in Kakuma refugee camp, located in Northwestern Kenya. The target population included girls in schools within the refugee camp. The study also targeted other education stakeholders including teachers, members of the school board of management (BOM), parents, girls who dropped out of school, Humanitarian agencies implementing education in the camps and Government officials. The total sample size for the study was 451. The study employed several sampling techniques including stratified proportionate sampling, simple random sampling, convenience sampling, snowball sampling and purposive sampling. Analysis of the data was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24) for descriptive statistics to generate frequencies and percentages. The data was presented in form of tables. The study found out that, child/early marriage, boys being preferred to girls and domestic chores were socio-cultural practices that were highly practiced Based on the conclusion the study recommends that the government should strengthen child protection services and policies to protect girls from harmful socio-cultural practices that would affect their education.

Sex and School Differences in Executive Function Performance of Zambian Public Preschoolers

Despite a great deal of research on the relations between preschool executive functions (EF) and demographic variables such as age, sex and school variables (classroom organization and teacher behaviours including quality of educational instruction, planning, organization and teacher-learner relationships), not much is known about these associations in Zambian preschoolers. This study was aimed at examining the relations of executive functions to age, sex and school variables in 133 Zambian preschool learners enrolled in urban public preschools aged 5 to 8 years. A between-subjects quasi-experimental research design was utilised. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank model showed sex and school differences were also observed to be significantly related to executive functions, no significant relationship was found for age. Key implications of the study for pre-primary policy, girl-child education (to discourage child marriage) and preschool teacher professional development in Zambia are discussed.

Informal Economic Sector: An Investigation of the Effects of Street Hawking on the Girl-Child Education in Nigeria

Street hawking is one of the most booming informal sectors of the Nigerian economy that provides jobs for the teeming unemployed youths. The lucrative business of selling goods on the streets is done by poor hawkers who cannot afford to rent a shop or the capital to start a business. This study investigates the effects of street hawking on children in Nigeria in the context of deprivation of access to and acquisition of quality education. The methodology used in the study is the survey method design, where a structured set of 120 questionnaires were distributed to collect primary data. The theoretical framework used is political economy of the informal sector model. The findings of the study reveal that the informal sector, despite not being regulated, provides jobs to millions of young people in Nigeria. The study identifies some of the causes of street hawking are poverty, illiteracy, and broken families. It is argued in the paper that the effects of street hawking are alarming and include educational deprivation, physical and public health problems, and child abuse. As a result, the study recommends that governments provide free education to the children, build markets, disburse loans for business start-ups, provide employment opportunities, and make laws to prohibit street hawking.

Evaluating continuum of maternal and newborn healthcare in Rwanda: evidence from the 2019–2020 Rwanda demographic health survey

BackgroundAccess to a complete continuum of maternal and child health care has been recommended globally for better pregnancy outcomes. Hence this study determined the level (pooled prevalence) and predictors of successfully completing continuum of care (CoC) in Rwanda.MethodsWe analyzed weighted secondary data from the 2019–2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) that included 6,302 women aged 15 to 49 years who were selected using multistage stratified sampling. We analyzed complete continuum of care as a composite variable of three maternal care services: at least four ANC contacts, SBA, maternal and neonatal post-natal care. We used the SPSS version 25 complex samples package to conduct multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOf the 6,302 women, 2,131 (33.8%) (95% CI: 32.8–35.1) had complete continuum of care. The odds of having complete continuum of care were higher among women who had exposure to newspapers (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11–1.52), those belonging to the eastern region (AOR): 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01–1.52), southern region (AOR): 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04–1.53), those with health insurance (AOR): 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30–1.85), those who had been visited by a field health worker (AOR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15–1.49), those with no big problems with distance to health facility (AOR): 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07–1.46), those who were married (AOR): 1.35, 95% CI: 1.11–1.64), those with tertiary level of education (AOR): 1.61, 95% CI: 1.05–2.49), those belonging to richer households (AOR): 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07–1.65) and those whose parity was less than 2 (AOR): 1.52, 95% CI: 1.18–1.95).ConclusionWe have identified modifiable factors (exposure to mass media, having been visited by a field health worker, having health insurance, having no big problems with distance to the nearest health facility, belonging to richer households, being married and educated), that can be targeted to improve utilization of the entire continuum of care. Promoting maternity services through mass media, strengthening the community health programmes, increasing access to health insurance and promoting girl child education to tertiary level may improve the level of utilization of maternity services.

Association of maternal characteristics with child feeding indicators and nutritional status of children under-two years in Rural Ghana

BackgroundOptimal nutrition during the first two years of a child’s life is critical for the reduction of morbidity and mortality. In Ghana, majority of children miss out on optimal nutrition and only few (13%) of children receive a Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD). Several studies have investigated the influence of community-level factors on infants and young children feeding (IYCF) practices. However, little is known about the influence of maternal factors on IYCF practices in rural settings. Therefore, this study assessed the influence of maternal factors on the feeding indicators and nutritional status of children aged 6–23 months in two administrative districts in Ghana.MethodsData were collected among 935 mothers who had children aged 6–23 months and accessed 21 Child Welfare Clinics within the study area. The study involved a face- to-face interview using structured questionnaires to capture maternal characteristics, dietary intake and anthropometric measurements of children. Multivariate logistic regression was used to study the association between maternal factors and child nutrition outcomes (MAD, dietary diversity score (DDS) and anthropometric indicators) using Stata 16.0 software.ResultsBeing employed (AOR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.71—5.49, p < 0.001) and attaining secondary or higher education (AOR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.42—5.78, p = 0.003) were significant predictors of children receiving MAD. Similarly, having an average decision-making autonomy increased the child’s odds of receiving MAD (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.02—2.76, p = 0.040). Children of mothers who attained secondary or a higher level of education (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36 -0.97, p = 0.040) and those whose mothers were employed (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.47—1.07, p = 0.043) were associated with a reduced risk of underweight and stunting respectively. Children of mothers with average financial independence status were more likely to receive diversified meals (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.01–2.38, p = 0.045).ConclusionsHigh educational level and being employed have positive influence on MAD, stunting and underweight of children. High decision-making power and average financial independence of mothers are good predictors of children receiving MAD. Family planning, women empowerment in decision-making, providing employment opportunities for mothers and promoting girl-child education are recommended.

Influence of Girl Child Involvement in Commercial Sex Exploitation on Students’ Completion of Secondary Education in Msambweni Sub County, Kenya

Female students’ completion rate of secondary school education is a concern in developing countries where generally women participation in socio economic development of these nations is wanting. A number of issues have been cited by various scholars as the causes for meager participation of female learners in middle level education. In Africa, mixed results arise from different social, cultural and economic factors influencing the female students’ education. In Kenya, in order to ascertain the effect of various aspects on girl child education, various studies have been carried out. In Msambweni Sub County, commercial carnal abuse of minors is rampant putting the sub county in a wanting status. The different practices of commercial sexual abuse of minors consist of sexual abuse by tourists and child prostitution that have emerged to be on the rise as a result of the trending social beliefs, attitudes and practices. The core intention of this study was to find out girl child’s involvement in commercial sex exploitation and its influence on learner’s completion rate of education at secondary school level in Msambweni Sub County. The research was driven by four objectives which focused on girl child involvement in child sex tourism, early marriages, teenage pregnancies and child prostitution and the influence on students’ completion rate of secondary school learning in Msambweni Sub County. This study employed a descriptive research design targeting all tutors and learners in public mixed and girls’ secondary school learning institutions in Msambweni Sub-County and county quality assurance officer for education Kwale County. The research also used a logical sampling technique to choose the respondents. Data collection was done by use of questionnaires consisting of both closed and open ended questions together with the use document analysis schedule. The results were evaluated using a statistical data analysis software notably Statistical Package for Social Sciences-SPSS. Presentation of results was by use of charts, frequency tables and percentages. Several respondents (72%) concurred with the fact that the different forms of CSEC are evidently rampant in Msambweni Sub County. From the findings of this study it has been established that girl child involvement in commercial sex exploitation of children interrupts, delays or denies them the opportunity to complete secondary education. The researcher recommends that relevant programs be developed and facilitated by both government and non-governmental bodies to create awareness on the long term benefits of completing secondary education over the perceived short term benefits of involvement in CSEC. Key Terms; Commercial sexual exploitation of children, Child sex tourism, Child prostitution, early child marriage, Teenage pregnancy DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/14-20-07 Publication date: October 31 st 2022

Incidence and Risk Factors for Low Birthweight and Preterm Birth in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda: A Community-Based Cohort Study.

Background: Annually, an estimated 20 million (13%) low-birthweight (LBW) and 15 million (11.1%) preterm infants are born worldwide. A paucity of data and reliance on hospital-based studies from low-income countries make it difficult to quantify the true burden of LBW and PB, the leading cause of neonatal and under-five mortality. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for LBW and preterm birth in Lira district of Northern Uganda. Methods: This was a community-based cohort study, nested within a cluster-randomized trial, designed to study the effect of a combined intervention on facility-based births. In total, 1877 pregnant women were recruited into the trial and followed from 28 weeks of gestation until birth. Infants of 1556 of these women had their birthweight recorded and 1279 infants were assessed for preterm birth using a maturity rating, the New Ballard Scoring system. Low birthweight was defined as birthweight <2.5kg and preterm birth was defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation. The risk factors for low birthweight and preterm birth were analysed using a multivariable generalized estimation equation for the Poisson family. Results: The incidence of LBW was 121/1556 or 7.3% (95% Confidence interval (CI): 5.4–9.6%). The incidence of preterm births was 53/1279 or 5.0% (95% CI: 3.2–7.7%). Risk factors for LBW were maternal age ≥35 years (adjusted Risk Ratio or aRR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.4), history of a small newborn (aRR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2–3.7), and maternal malaria in pregnancy (aRR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.01–2.9). Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for malaria, on the other hand, was associated with a reduced risk of LBW (aRR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–0.8). Risk factors for preterm birth were maternal HIV infection (aRR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1–7.3), while maternal education for ≥7 years was associated with a reduced risk of preterm birth (aRR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.98) in post-conflict northern Uganda. Conclusions: About 7.3% LBW and 5.0% PB infants were born in the community of post-conflict northern Uganda. Maternal malaria in pregnancy, history of small newborn and age ≥35 years increased the likelihood of LBW while IPT reduced it. Maternal HIV infection was associated with an increased risk of PB compared to HIV negative status. Maternal formal education of ≥7 years was associated with a reduced risk of PB compared to those with 0–6 years. Interventions to prevent LBW and PBs should include girl child education, and promote antenatal screening, prevention and treatment of malaria and HIV infections.

Gender Bias and Empowerment

India is emerging as one of the largest democracies in the world today. However, it is an undeniable fact that without equality and social justice there can be no democracy. Equality means a person-to-person relationship based on freedom and dignity. However as much we may talk of these, equality, between men and women still seems a far possibility. Abolition of sati, abolition of dowry, child marriages, the education of girl child, the eradication of illiteracy among women, and so on were the issues the sociologists were concerned with when it came to lift women from the morass of self esteem. Disparity in wages between employed men and women, discrimination and harassment were other issues. The women’s movements, the social organizations and the NGOs had their hands full in interacting with the government to pass protective legislations. Family courts were established, the Hindu Code Bill was passed. The constitution itself declared “No discrimination on grounds of sex,’ and women's representation in the village Panchayats in India is now a reality. Yet much more remains to the accomplished.

Determinants of health facility delivery among young mothers in Ghana; insights from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey

BackgroundGlobally, young women deliver at home, often under unhygienic conditions and without skilled birth attendants. This study identified the determinants of health facility delivery among young mothers in Ghana.MethodsWe analysed secondary data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, which collected data across the former ten administrative regions of Ghana. This study analysed data from the ‘women file’ by adjusting for the sample weight. STATA/SE version 16 was employed to analyse the data by computing descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Binary Logistic Regression.ResultsSeven in ten young mothers gave birth in a health facility. Young mothers who had secondary school education were over three-fold more likely to deliver in a health facility (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.33–9.23) compared with young mothers with no formal education. Young mothers who resided in rural areas had lower odds (73%) of delivering in a health facility (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.14–0.514) compared with those in urban areas. Young mothers within the richest wealth quintile also had higher odds (8 times) of delivering in a health facility (AOR = 8.24; 95% CI: 0.95–71.77) compared with those within the poorest wealth quintile. Young mothers who obtained four to seven antenatal visits (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.27–1.03) had lower odds of delivering in a health facility compared with those who obtained eight or more antenatal visits.ConclusionThe majority of young mothers in Ghana gave birth in a health facility. The likelihood of delivering in a health facility was influenced by socio-demographic factors, economic factors and utilization of antenatal care services. Therefore, interventions aimed at increasing utilization of skilled delivery among young women should focus on promoting girl child education, economic status and antenatal care visits.

Attitude of Kabawa community towards girl child education and sustainable development in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State Nigeria

The paper examined Kabawa Community's attitude on girl child education and sustainable development in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria. The study was undertaken to look at the cultural and educational variables which influence the attitude of Kabawa Community towards girl child education. In conducting the design, the author used a Descriptive Survey research design. The population of 25,150 female students was used from 62 secondary schools that girls are enrolled under the Kebbi State Secondary School Management Board (KSSMB), Nigeria. A sample of 8 schools was randomly selected; 250 students were randomly chosen proportionately. A sample of 58 parents was drawn using quota sampling. The paper found out that non-educated Kabawa parents, especially those in the rural areas, have a negative attitude towards girls' child education.

Development of Education in Ghana: The China Impact

Ghana’s efforts towards educational development over the years have received supports from her cooperative nations. China is noted as one country that has in recent times helped significantly in the global development of the Africa region through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and through other international relations. China has increased its support to other nation’s development of education that includes Ghana. In the light of this, the study examined the China’s impact in Ghana’s efforts towards development. The research employed a descriptive survey design. Specifically, it adopted qualitative approach for conducting the research. The study's data was mostly gathered from secondary sources, and it covered the years 1992 to 2022. Content qualitative analysis was used to examine the data to provide answers the research questions. The study found that China has positively impacted educational development in Ghana in the forms of educational infrastructural support, vocational and technical educational support, strengthening of the human resource of education in Ghana, promotion of girl-child education, promotion of ICT education, and several others. It is recommended that Ghana must esteem and protect its bilateral relationship with China owing to the value that comes out of their relationship.