TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF GENDER EQUALITY IN EDUCATIONIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF GAMO ZONE, SEPR

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the teachers’ perceptions and its impacts on gender equality in education in government secondary schools of Chencha Town Administration and Chencha Zurya Woreda. To achieve this purpose, qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. The researcher also used primary and secondary sources. The data was collected through different instruments such as questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion and document analysis. The target population to this study was 290 teachers of eight (8) secondary schools. The sample size of this research was 168 teachers that were selected by random sampling. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Science version 20. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques such as frequencies, percent, mean standard deviation and independent sample t-test were used. The finding of the study indicated that lack of commitment and lack motivation and the weak practice of principle of gender equality ,especially affirmative action implementation were the main problems. Irresponsiveness of concerned bodies’ regular support to those students who lead low economic life was the main obstacle to implement gender equality at grass root level. The researcher concluded that low practice and implementation of gender equality and its principles in teaching-learning process was the main constraints to ensure gender equality in education in the study area. The researcher recommended that Education office should work hard to overcome the challenges exist regarding practice of gender equality and implementation of principle gender equality. The researcher also recommended that the government should provide capacity building trainings to teachers and other concerned bodies to shoulder their responsibilities effectively in combating gender based violence in schools to promote gender equality in education.