WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION AND CHALLENGES IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN CHITTAGONG DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

This study has highlighted women's participation and the challenges they face in higher education in the Chittagong district. The rate of women's education at the traditional level has been analyzed. This study has highlighted how women can participate in higher education in the Chittagong district. Data has been collected from (332) female students of various colleges and universities in Chittagong district through questionnaires. Through this data collection, it is evident that most women have pursued higher education for career and social status. However, in some cases, they do not receive financial and psychological support, which decreases the rate of education. Another issue mentioned in this study is that women in higher education are facing a lack of accommodation, mental stress, insecurity in educational institutions, family obstacles, and transportation problems. However, women in higher education (97%) have agreed with the following issues. Introducing scholarships for female students in higher education, eliminating social prejudices, providing safe hostels and transportation, providing special facilities for poor and marginalized women, and increasing the number of female teachers. This study highlights the current context of women's education in the Chittagong district. The information from this study will provide significant benefits to schools, colleges, universities, and the country's education administration and policymakers.