Patriarchy, Gender Norms and Female Student Dropout from High Schools in Nepal

This study captured multiple perspectives on female student dropout from high schools in Nepal. We used random, purposive and snowballing sampling methods to select respondents from seven categories: parents, dropped-out students, students in school, head teachers, teachers and district education office staff. The 96 participants were geographically diverse; from six districts in three ecological regions: the mountains, the hills and the Terai. In-depth interviews were conducted. Findings revealed an array of socio-cultural issues pertinent to gender imbalance, a patriarchal value system and educational issues that disfavoured female students. It was concluded that there was a need for substantial restructuring of the education system in Nepal, including effective economic reform, stakeholder awareness programmes, and sound planning for eliminating gender inequalities functioning within the patriarchal value system at all levels of socio-economic disadvantage.