[Reader-list] Help need by researchers on gender gap in school enrolment in Gujarat

[Chintan]

If you know of anyone "who might be engaged in the field of education in
Gujarat," and might be able to help Surabhi and her colleague, do write to
surabhi.tandon at gmail.com

And please forward this mail to any of your friends who might be able to
provide leads about people, organisations, documents.

Thanks

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Surabhi Tandon <surabhi.tandon at gmail.com>
Date: Dec 4, 2009 10:51 AM
Subject: Re: Education in Gujurat - some Queries
To: Chintan <chintangirishmodi at gmail.com>


Hi Chintan,

Here is the email you could forward to your group --

We are authoring a paper that is studying the gender gap in enrolment at a
primary school level. This analysis is based on ASER (Annual Status of
Education Report) data, and shows a fall in the gap over the last four years
(i.e. more girls are being enrolled at a national level). Both authors
worked for Pratham and ASER (respectively) in New Delhi, in 2008.

We are specifically studying three states. Bihar seems to have made the most
progress in closing the gender gap (starting from a relatively low level).
However, the state of Gujarat shows a *slight* increase in the gender gap.
At this moment, we are unable to partake in a field study, but were hoping
to speak with anyone who might be engaged in the field of education in
Gujarat as to why this might be the case (despite the State government
claiming their commitment to girl's education). Secondly, and more
significantly, there is a low rate of retention in schools vis-a-vis girls
i.e. as girls get older, they seem to drop out of school in more numbers.
This is another question we are seeking feedback on.

We propose a probable reason : the lack of political will in the state (the
government has other priorities, can seek votes even without focussing on
education because it has made significant leeway in other development
matters etc.). Secondly, we wanted to delve into the role of NGOs in
mobilizing civil society. Is there an active role played by the non
governmental sector in making people aware on the importance of education,
SSA? Also, is there any movement to mobilize them to demand for better
facilities, teachers and resources (alternatively, any movement to increase
local accountability with regard to schools and teachers in villages).

Any leads/ feedback or suggestions are most welcome. We would really
appreciate it, and thank you for your time (to even read, and possibly think
about this!).

Chintan, once again ~ I greatly appreciate this.

Warm Regards,

Surabhi Tandon