Education in Kenya is heavily influenced by cultural factors. Gender norms, economic status, and proximity to a school all affect the education of young people. In traditional Kenyan society, there is a high gender disparity in education- meaning many more boys attend and complete schooling than do girls. The role of women and girls in traditional Kenyan society is to care for the home and family, with a great emphasis on skills in cooking, cleaning,...
Education in Kenya is heavily influenced by cultural factors. Gender norms, economic status, and proximity to a school all affect the education of young people. In traditional Kenyan society, there is a high gender disparity in education- meaning many more boys attend and complete schooling than do girls. The role of women and girls in traditional Kenyan society is to care for the home and family, with a great emphasis on skills in cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing.
According to the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative, 75% of girls attend primary school, but this number drops to only 42% for secondary schooling. Many girls leave school to help care for their families, when they become married, or due to the difficulties of menstruation. Because of the drop-out rates, most girls and women achieve basic literacy and mathematics skills, but may not have education in the sciences. In theory, women and girls are allowed to learn any subject taught in schools, but cultural and social forces may limit them in doing so. In 2011, UNESCO sponsored a movement to improve gender sensitivity in Kenyan schools and to encourage young girls to study mathematics, technology, and the sciences.
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