‘Because she doesn’t have a voice’. Perceptions of rejection amongst girls who have dropped out of school in rural western Kenya

Despite global commitments to girls’ education, many dropout prematurely facing health, social, and economic hardships. Using ten focus group discussions and ten in-depth interviews, this study explored issues identified as important in the lives of girls who had dropped out of school. Thematic analysis first revealed rejection as a central theme in the girls' experiences, prompting a deductive approach that identified five interrelated themes: (a) perpetrators, (b) school dropout, (c) pregnancy, (d) illness and disease, and (e) consequences. School dropout and pregnancy were key events perpetuating further rejection. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions including addressing the drivers of school dropout and adolescent pregnancy. Moreover, interventions are needed to challenge and change negative societal views. Rather than being overlooked, these girls require focused support and care to improve their well-being and life chances.