Gender and development policy

Many families cannot afford to educate girls because their labour is often needed in the home and in the fields. When household income is limited, the family may be unable to bear the indirect costs of sending to school girls who perform tasks that are essential to the household economy (UNICEF 1992: 21). The roles and responsibilities of girls in the household and in production can prevent their enrolment in school or severely limit their level of attendance. The time required to travel to and from school can keep girls away from domestic chores for longer periods, which further discourages attendance. Time, workload and mobility factors also prevent women from pursuing higher education, vocational and technical education opportunities.