Socio-Cultural Constraints to Girls' Higher Secondary Education in Malakand, Pakistan

In Pakistan, girls are facing social, cultural, and structural challenges to get higher education. Researchers investigate the social and cultural constraints among girls in accessing higher education in Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the present study quantitative research design with a probability sampling technique was used to conduct survey research from 336 enrolled girl students in the study locale. The data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire in selected girls' colleges. The data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate a strong association between the lack of girls' higher education and gender roles in the study locale. The study explained that due to gender norms, girls’ higher education is socially restricted by male family members, particularly when no higher education institutions are available nearby. It is recommended that higher education facilities be established, and the community should be aware of the importance of girls’ education.