Barriers to girls' secondary school participation in rural Bangladesh

This study explores girls’ secondary school participation in rural Bangladesh. Specifically, I seek to lend insight into the factors that inhibit girls’ retention through to completion of secondary school. This question is particularly relevant in light of the Female Stipend Programme (FSP), which provides financial school incentives to eligible girls. To uncover the main determinants of girls’ participation, I utilize data from interviews with teachers, parents, girl students and out-of-school girls from four schools and villages in rural Bangladesh. Interviews reveal the importance of socio-economic condition and private tutoring to understanding why some girls remain in school and others do not. I use interview responses and educational data to analyse four policy options based on their impacts on access, learning achievements, school improvements, financial sustainability and stakeholders’ response. I conclude by recommending that the FSP be modified to target disadvantaged girls and to provide instructional support to stipend recipients.