Tharparkar is a desert district located in the southeastern region of the Sindh province in Pakistan. The district is known for its rich culture and heritage, but unfortunately, it also has one of the lowest literacy rates, especially among girls. The social taboos and traditional beliefs in the area have made it difficult for girls to receive an education, leading to a significant gender gap in literacy rates.
According to recent statistics, the literacy rate in Tharparkar district is 34%, with a stark difference between male and female literacy rates. The male literacy rate is 51%, while the female literacy rate is only 16%. This gender disparity is mainly due to the deeply rooted social taboos and cultural beliefs that discourage girls from going to school.
Moreover, there is a shortage of female teachers in the district, making it difficult for parents to send their daughters to school. The lack of proper infrastructure and separate girls’ schools also makes it challenging for parents to trust the education system. There is only one girls’ college in the district, which is not enough to cater to the educational needs of the entire female population.
The district has less than ten functional girls’ high schools, which is a cause for concern. The need for more girls’ schools and colleges is essential to ensure that girls receive an education and become contributing members of society.
There is a dire need to sensitize parents and communities about the importance of girls’ education. The government should take steps to create awareness programs and provide incentives for parents to send their daughters to school. The government’s priority should focus on promoting girls’ education and creating an enabling environment for them to thrive.
The current situation in girls’ primary schools is concerning, as they lack proper school basic facilities such as toilets, safe drinking water, and electricity. This situation not only hinders the learning process but also affects the health and safety of young girls.
Moreover, the single girls’ college in the district does not have the desired number of teachers to cater to the educational needs of the female students. The lack of qualified and trained teachers hinders the quality of education provided to the girls in the district.
The current status of girls’ education in Tharparkar district is worrying, and urgent steps need to be taken to address the situation. The government, civil society, and local communities need to work together to promote girls’ education, create awareness, and provide better infrastructure and facilities for girls’ schools. Ensuring that girls receive an education is not only a fundamental right but also a crucial step towards social and economic development.
