Impact of Socio-Cultural Factors on Female Education in Suleman Khel Tribe of District South Waziristan, Pakistan

Abstract

This research endeavors to investigate the intricate interplay of socio-cultural and economic factors that serve as impediments to female education within the Suleman Khan tribe. Echoing Napoleon's assertion about the indispensable role of educated mothers in national progress, this study aims to uncover the multifaceted challenges hindering the educational pursuits of women in the Suleman Khel tribe. The socio-cultural barriers prevalent in this community have significantly curtailed females' access to education, representing a formidable impediment to their aspirations and dreams. The dearth of opportunities and the prevalence of numerous social obstacles create a complex landscape for females striving to fulfill their educational ambitions. With the primary objective of identifying and understanding the socio-cultural and economic factors obstructing female education in the Suleman Khel tribe, this research employs a qualitative and subjective approach for data collection and analysis. Utilizing the purposeful sampling method within the framework of non-probability sampling, a total of 15 respondents from various villages were selected to provide primary data. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, the findings of this study reveal a nuanced perspective, highlighting that a majority of respondents express support for female education. Furthermore, the study challenges the conventional belief that both male and female education in the Suleman Khel tribe is uniformly low, thereby introducing a novel perspective to the discourse on educational disparities within the community.