By EMMAQULET ANJWANG OGINGA
Second Year BA Journalism and Mass Communication Student at Chuka University
While the necessity of education emphasises the importance of educating the girl child, many female students in the university face several challenges that make it difficult for them to pursue their education, maintain their wellbeing, and access opportunities.
Some female students experience harassment from fellow students, lecturers, or other people around the university. In some cases, lecturers pressure them to engage in sexual relationships in exchange for marks or academic favors. Such unwanted sexual advances may lead to unintended pregnancies, which may interrupt their education and even lead to dropping out of school due to social stigma, or the difficulties of balancing childcare and studies.
Institutional and academic challenges
Women are significantly less likely to enroll in some courses like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics due to discriminatory barriers and a lack of relatable female role models.
University life exposes students to a new lifestyle. Some girls are pressured to engage in unhealthy social activities such as excessive partying, alcohol consumption, drug use, or risky relationships because they want to fit in with friends or avoid being seen as different.
Peer pressure can also affect self-esteem and identity. Some female students may feel forced to change their dressing styles, behaviors, or values just to gain acceptance from their peers.
When the girl child is supported and protected in the university, she gains the power not only to change her own life but also to transform the society around her.
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
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