The Impacts of Secondary Education on Women Decision Making of Higher Education (A Case Study of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa, Pakistan)

Abstract

Women's decision-making about the pursuit of their higher education has been found to be significantly influenced by their schooling. In this regard, this study investigates the complex influences of education on women's decision-making processes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, while they are thinking about pursuing higher education. It has long been understood that education is essential for achieving socioeconomic advancement and self-determination, especially for women who have historically faced obstacles in receiving a high-quality education. The nature of this research study is qualitative while the primary data has been gathered with the help of an interview guide, (FGDs) focus group discussion.  Female students enrolled in secondary, post-secondary, and higher education programs at Swat comprised the targeted population. The study conclusions show that women's early educations play a major influence on their decision to pursue further education. Following secondary education, women acquire the capacity to make decisions regarding their further academic pursuits. Similar to how women decide which subjects to study, which subject to pursue as a graduate program, and which mentor and supervisor to work under. Furthermore, parents have a crucial role in helping daughters make decisions about continuing their education. Moreover, women are empowered to make decisions about their education because of family support and encouragement. On the other hand, societal perception has a significant impact in women's education. While urban culture values about girls' education since it strengthens their capacity for further study, rural society forbids females from pursuing higher education due to the conservative nature of its culture. Women also face difficulties in juggling their schooling with their family responsibilities, but they manage somehow as their early education gave them management skills. Furthermore, because to social and cultural constraints, the majority of women in Pashtun society are not permitted to pursue higher education outside. The ratio of male to female literacy is not equal. The study strongly suggests that the media should play its role in raising awareness and launching campaigns regarding education for all, high-quality education, hiring more female teachers, requiring teacher training, and community involvement in education promotion in order to close the achievement gap and further raise women's literacy levels.