Empowering the Next Generation: A Study of Girls Education in Kozhikode

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the educational attainment of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) girl children in Kozhikode City. The research employs a des approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques.The findings indicate that socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and educational infrastructure play significant roles in shaping the educational experiences of SC/ST girls. Despite government interventions, challenges such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of quality education persist. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these challenges, including improving access to quality education, providing financial support, and promoting awareness about the importance of girls\' education. By understanding the complexities of these issues, policymakers and educators can develop effective strategies to enhance the educationaloutcomes of SC/ST girls and empower them to reach their full potential.

Introduction

1. Introduction

The United Nations recognizes the rights of the girl child, who requires care, protection, and guidance for her development. In India, especially among Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), many girl children face extreme deprivation, lack of education, and societal neglect. Education is seen as a key tool for empowerment and social upliftment, but many families—due to poverty, lack of awareness, or patriarchal values—do not prioritize girls’ education.

Educated girls are more likely to:

• Delay marriage and childbirth

• Ensure better healthcare and education for their children

• Achieve economic independence

• Break cycles of generational poverty and subjugation

2. Background of the Study

While Kerala is known for high literacy, disparities persist, especially among SC/ST girls. Kozhikode district provides a context to investigate the socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional barriers affecting SC/ST girls’ access to education.

3. Statement of the Problem

Despite educational advances, SC/ST girls still face challenges in accessing quality education due to:

• Socioeconomic hardships

• Cultural norms and gender biases

• Inferior school infrastructure and support

• Ineffective implementation of government policies

This study seeks to:

• Identify these barriers

• Analyze contributing factors

• Propose strategies to improve educational outcomes for SC/ST girls in Kozhikode

4. Research Questions

The study will explore:

• How socioeconomic status (e.g., parental education, income) affects education

• How family environment and parental attitudes shape girls’ aspirations

• The quality of schooling and teacher support for SC/ST students

• The effectiveness of government programs

• Differences in future goals and career choices between SC and ST girls

5. Objectives

• Understand cultural and socioeconomic influences on SC/ST girl education

• Identify specific educational barriers they face

• Evaluate policy impact on educational outcomes

• Recommend ways to improve access, quality, and retention

6. Methodology

• Analytical study using interviews, observations, and dialogues

• Study Area: Government schools in Kozhikode City

• Sample: 10 schools (5 primary, 5 high schools), approx. 500 SC/ST girl students

• Respondents: Students, parents, and teachers

7. Tools for Data Collection

• Primary data: Structured interviews, observation schedules, unstructured dialogues

• Secondary data: Government and NGO reports (UNICEF, WHO, etc.)

• Interview questions cover topics like:

  • Demographics and family background

  • Educational attitudes and challenges

  • Views on equality, empowerment, and future aspirations

8. Data Processing and Analysis

• Data will be cleaned, coded, and analyzed using bivariate tables

• Focus on uncovering patterns and relationships among variables

• Findings will inform evidence-based recommendations

Conclusion

The study argues that educating SC/ST girl children is vital for their economic empowerment, human development, and societal transformation. It seeks to identify the barriers these girls face and propose actionable solutions for inclusive and equitable education in Kozhikode, contributing to broader social justice and gender equality.

References

[1] Dhiman, Bharat. (2023). Education\'s Role in Empowering Women and Promoting Gender Inequality: A Critical Review. 10.36227/techrxiv.24329284.v1. [2] Dhiman, Bharat. (2023). Education\'s Role in Empowering Women and Promoting Gender Inequality: A Critical Review. 10.36227/techrxiv.24329284.v1. [3] Reshi, Irshad & Sudha, Dr & Dar, Shabir. (2022). Women\'s Access to Education and Its Impact on Their Empowerment: A Comprehensive Review. MORFAI JOURNAL. 1. 446-450. 10.54443/morfai.v1i2.760. [4] Rouf Ahmad Bhat(2015)Role of Education in the Empowerment of Women in India, Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org,ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)Vol.6, No.10, 201

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Deepa E.. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.