FACTORS AFFECTING GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN KHYBER PAKTUNKHWA

Abstract

The research study aimed to look at the situation of gender discrimination in higher education prevailing in the province of KPK. Out of a total of 16 public universities, 4 were selected through simple random sampling technique. The population of the study comprised of all the students, their parents, faculty members of all the public universities in KPK. Equal representation of both sexes was ensured while selecting 360 respondents, 120 each from all the categories (60 males and 60 females). Simple random sampling technique was used as the data producing sample. The situation was looked at from four angles; home-related factors, socio-cultural factors, religious factors and economic factors. Analysis of the data found similar views of both sexes about home related and socio-cultural factors to be the two decisive elements in rendering out discriminatory attitude towards the females in providing them higher education. The respondents expressed their lack of knowledge of Islamic teachings related to education of females. Economic factors and financial matters were not considered as much important factor as the respondents belonging to economically well off families claimed to have experienced inequality due to home-related and socio-cultural factors prevailing in the areas.