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An empirical analysis of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy and its implications for gender parity: a case study of the Nzema East District

Author

Listed:
  • Agyeibea Amo, Wendy
  • Appiah Amo, Francis
  • Mdhlalose, Dickson

Abstract

Despite the policy’s success in increasing overall enrollment and reducing financial barriers, gender-specific challenges persist, particularly for female students. This study examines the impact of Ghana's Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy on promoting gender equity in education, focusing on two senior high schools in the Nzema East District. The study adopts a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to explore enrollment, retention, and completion rates alongside stakeholders’ perceptions. Findings reveal that while the Free SHS policy has significantly improved access for girls, socio-cultural norms, inadequate gender-sensitive infrastructure, and economic challenges continue to impede equity. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as mentorship programs, improved school facilities, and community advocacy, to address these barriers. This study provides critical insights into the Free SHS policy's role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5, offering recommendations to enhance its effectiveness in fostering gender equity in Ghanaian education.

Suggested Citation

  • Agyeibea Amo, Wendy & Appiah Amo, Francis & Mdhlalose, Dickson, 2026. "An empirical analysis of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy and its implications for gender parity: a case study of the Nzema East District," EconStor Preprints 337868, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:esprep:337868
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    File URL: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/337868/1/Ghana-Free-Senior-High-School.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jan Edwards & Mona Girgis, 2015. "Practical lessons from gender audit of an education sector plan in Lao PDR," Development in Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(5), pages 747-753, July.
    2. Josilene Aires Moreira & Catarina Sales Oliveira, 2022. "Quantifying for Qualifying: A Framework for Assessing Gender Equality in Higher Education Institutions," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-24, October.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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