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org Agengo and Mugisha, 2025

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International Digital Organization for Scientific Research IDOSRJAM 10.1.6140

IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 10(1):6-14, 2025.
https:/doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAM/2025/101.61400

Domestic work and girl child school drop outs: A case study of
selected secondary schools in Kyamuhunga town council Bushenyi
district
Agengo Janet and Mugisha Andrew

Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda.

ABSTRACT
This study explores demographic and contextual factors influencing educational participation, with a focus on
gender disparities and causes of girl child school dropouts. A significant gender imbalance was observed, with 93%
male respondents and only 7% female, reflecting patriarchal societal norms that restrict female participation. Age
distribution highlighted a concentration of respondents aged 20–30 years (34%), aligning with the study’s emphasis
on educational challenges among youth. Marital status data showed a predominance of unmarried respondents,
correlating with the high student population. Religious affiliation revealed a Catholic majority (80%), with
implications for education access shaped by religious norms. Key causes of girl child school dropouts were identified
as poverty (100%), lack of girl-specific needs (97%), early marriages (67%), and peer pressure (40%). Poverty emerged
as the dominant factor, supported by UNICEF findings, while unmet needs like menstrual hygiene supplies and
early marriages significantly impacted education continuity for girls. Additionally, domestic work was shown to
adversely affect girls’ academic performance and psychological well-being. The study underscores the need for
targeted interventions, including empowering students, motivating teachers, and enhancing learning resources.
While consistent with existing research, addressing gender imbalances and incorporating perspectives from parents
and teachers could enrich understanding and inform inclusive strategies.
Keywords: Gender Disparities, Girl Child Dropouts, Educational Barriers, Poverty and Education, Domestic Work
Impact

INTRODUCTION
Globally, the aspiration of every family and economy, America, and the Caribbean, have seen decreases in
whether in developed or developing countries, is to child labor, the number of youth laborers aged 15 to
see the growing population succeed in educational 17 has risen from 52 million to 62 million over recent
achievement [1]. Education is recognized as a critical years [6].
pathway to poverty alleviation and socio-economic Girl child school dropout refers to the inability of
development [2]. However, amidst this progress, a school-age girls to access or complete education that
significant portion of the population—particularly would develop their skills and knowledge [7]. This
girls—becomes engaged in domestic work, a factor includes formal schooling, vocational training, and
that often goes unnoticed but substantially disrupts health education. Education for girls and boys alike is
their educational pursuits [2]. Domestic work, a crucial for breaking cycles of poverty and fostering
pervasive and multifaceted issue, directly hinders socio-economic development [8]. Despite its
girls from achieving their educational goals, importance, girls' education faces numerous
contributing to school dropouts and curbing their challenges, including socio-cultural biases and
potential for socio-economic upliftment [3]. economic inequalities, which often divert girls into
Educational attainment varies across countries due to domestic labor [9]. The primary sector in which
factors such as the education system, cultural norms, girls’ domestic labor is concentrated includes
family dynamics, rural or urban residency, socio- agriculture, petty commercial activities, and
economic conditions, and the level of national household chores. These responsibilities
development [4] According to the International disproportionately affect girls, often leading to their
Labor Organisation, domestic work alone affects 215 exclusion from educational opportunities [10]. A
million girls globally, leading to school dropouts [5]. significant portion of child labor is performed within
While some regions, such as Asia, the Pacific, Latin family businesses or as unpaid household work, which

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negatively impacts both the social and educational and have been identified as significant barriers to
development of these children [11]. In Africa, many reducing illiteracy in the region. Although boys are
school-age girls are forced into manual labor and also affected, girls bear the brunt of these challenges,
exploitative activities, often over their physical limits. as socio-cultural norms often prioritize boys'
This represents a violation of their basic human education over girls'. Efforts to combat child labor are
rights and hinders the development of the skills and limited by insufficient law enforcement and a lack of
knowledge necessary for meaningful contributions to awareness among officials about child rights and the
society [12]. evidence needed to prosecute such cases [14].
In Uganda, the Constitution defines a child as anyone Despite some strides made since the 1970s to promote
below 18 years of age. However, this age group girls' education, retention and achievement rates for
constitutes the majority of those engaged in domestic girls remain alarmingly low in Uganda and other
work, often during school hours [1]. Studies on the African countries. Deep-rooted biases, economic
causes and impacts of child labor largely focus on disparities, and inadequate attention to gender
economic factors, neglecting the critical role of equality in education continue to hinder progress
education in shaping the lives of affected children [15] (National Girls’ Education Strategy, 2010).
[13]. The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social The broad objective of this study is to examine the
Development emphasizes the need to address this relationship between domestic work and school
gap, particularly the impact of diverse forms of child dropouts among girls in Kyamuhunga Sub-County.
labor on educational attainment. In Kyamuhunga This research aims to explore the factors influencing
Sub-County, there is evidence of girls dropping out of girls' participation in education and to provide
school due to their involvement in domestic work, tea insights for creating more equitable education
picking, and petty street vending [1]. These systems that address the unique challenges faced by
activities are detrimental to educational attainment girls.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design respondents, who were selected as community
The descriptive research design was used. The teachers, social worker (technical personnel), and
descriptive sample survey design enabled the students from three selected Secondary schools of
researcher to use both qualitative and quantitative Kyamuhunga Central Secondary school, St. Marys’
techniques in collecting and analyzing and presenting Secondary school and St. Pauls’ Secondary schools .
the data on food storage and food security in Uganda. The study population was selected using guided by
Study population, sample size and selection Robert Krejcie & Morgan table [16]. All the above
strategy considered groups seemed to have the relevant
The study was carried out in Kyamuhunga sub information on domestic work and school dropouts in
county, Bushenyi District in south western Uganda. Ugandan context.
The target population was comprised of 32
Table 1: sample selection, size and strategies
Category of respondents Target population Sample size Strategy
Students 20 19 Convenience /random
Teachers 10 10 Purposive
Social workers 1 1 Purposive
Total 32 30

Data collection Direct interview

The basic methods the researcher used to collect Interview in research can be described as the
Secondary data for the study was questionnaires, conversation with the purpose of obtaining valid and
direct interviews. This was applied to all the valuable information during the course of
respondents. conversation. This was applied to the community and
The questionnaire prominent farmers. Clarification as well took place
The questionnaires was used because it collects to enable the interviewer to reveal his/her view point.
information from many respondents in a projected Validity of the study
time span. All respondents were asked the same Before they were administered, they were scrutinized
question in as much as possible, and from options, the by the supervisor. This ensured that the terms used
respondents picked the best alternatives. This was in the questionnaire and interviews were preciously
applied on the community members who knew how defined and properly understood.
to read and interpret. Reliability of instruments
An instrument is reliable if it measures consistently
what it is supposed to measure. The researcher used

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a pilot study of at least 15 respondents from the rights of those respondents is protected. The
neighboring Mashinga sub county where there is researcher consequently respected human dignity
relatively similar households in terms of what entice and consent not to reveal the identity of the
girls of school going age to drop out of schools un respondents of the study. All questionnaires were
willingly. addressed with a formal consent. The researcher
Data analysis observed Covid 19 guidelines to avoid the spread of
Data collected was manually coded and entered virus.
manually since the sample size was small and Significances of the study
manageable. This enabled the researcher to identify The study will assist the community in examining
missing values as developed from research objectives. and adopting the appropriate food storage mechanism
The researcher was able to determine the frequency hence capable of fighting food insecurities. To the
and percentages. This further enabled the researcher government, the study will help planners especially
to relate the findings qualitatively and quantitatively. through ministry of agriculture to allocate
Data was analyzed manually since a small sample size appropriate technical and financial assistance to
of 30 respondents. empower local farmers in food production. Generally,
Ethical considerations. the study will play a significant role to future
The purpose of the study was explained to the researchers to investigate more on fields of food
respondents to gain confidence. When human beings storage methods, food security, food insecurity
are used as study participants in research among others.
investigations, care must be exercised in ensuring the
RESULTS
Social demographic characteristics of the respondents
Gender characteristics (composition)
Figure 1: Sex composition of the respondents

Gander
Females
7%

Males
93%
The figure above revealed that 93% of the implied that majority of the respondents were males
respondents were males while 7% were females. This unlike females.

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Figure 2: Age bracket of the respondents
Only adults were considered during the study as tabulated below.

AGE
31-40
15%

10-Jan
51%

20-30
34%

10-Jan 20-30 31-40

From the figure above, it was found out that 15% of years, This implies that the higher percentage of
the respondents were between 31-40, 15% were respondents were found to be students.
between 10-20 years, and 34% were between 20-30
Marital status of the respondents
Figure 3: Marital status of the respondents

Marital status
Married
10%

Single
90%
Married Single

From the figure above, it indicated that a bigger respondents being single was due to a bigger number
percentage of respondents were single while a smaller of students who participated in the study.
percentage were married. The high percentage of

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Figure 4: Religious affiliation of the respondents

Seventh Day adventist Religious Affiliation of respondents

10%
Catholics
10%

Protestant
80%

Protestant Catholics Seventh Day adventist

The religious affiliations of the respondents were as

indicated above with Catholics 80% leading, closely
followed by Protestants 10% seventh day 10.
Causes of girl child school dropouts in schools.
This was the objective one of the study to identify the
causes of girl child school dropouts in secondary
schools. . Reponses solicited were tabulated in
frequency and percentages as below;
Figure 5: Causes of girl child school dropouts in schools.

Causes of Girl Child School dropouts

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Poverty Peer Presssure Early Pregnancies lack of Gild child
Necessities

Causes of Girl Child School dropouts

From the field data above, it was indicated that 100% early marriages agreed with 67% and lack of gild child
agreed with poverty, 40% agreed with peer pressure, needs with 97%.

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Figure 6: The relationship between domestic work and girl

child school dropouts
120

100

80

60

40

20

0
consumes much time for creates laxity for reading Affects pyschological declines class
school wellbeing performance

The relationship between domestic work and girl child school dropouts

From the figure 6 above, it was found out that for girls, creates laxity and tiredness, and domestic
declines performance, affects psychological wellbeing work consumes much time for school.

The measures to reduce girl child school dropouts

Figure 7:Measures to reduce girl child school dropouts

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
Empowering students Motivate teachers to work Counselling of students Provide and Improve
an extra mile especially girls Learning aids

Measures to reduce girl child school dropouts

From the figure 7 above, it was found out that and improving learning aids were so paramount in
Empowering students mentally, motivating teachers improving the learning process after school re-
to work hard, Counselling of students and providing opening.

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www.idosr.org Agengo and Mugisha, 2025
The measures to reduce girl child school dropouts

Figure 8:Measures to reduce girl child school dropouts

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Empowering students Motivate teachers to work Counselling of students Provide and Improve
an extra mile especially girls Learning aids

Measures to reduce girl child school dropouts

From the figure 8 above, it was found out that and improving learning aids were so paramount in
Empowering students mentally, motivating teachers improving the learning process after school re-
to work hard, Counselling of students and providing opening.
DISCUSSION
Gender Characteristics challenges. However, the marital status data might
The study revealed that 93% of the respondents were not fully represent broader societal dynamics and
male, and only 7% were female, indicating a could limit insights into how family responsibilities
significant gender imbalance. This disparity could influence school dropouts.
reflect a male-dominated environment in the study Religious Affiliation
context, possibly influenced by cultural or social An overwhelming majority (80%) of respondents
norms that limit female participation in such studies. identified as Catholics, followed by Protestants (10%)
Similar studies have found comparable patterns and Seventh-Day Adventists (10%). This reflects the
[17,18]. The study noted that male respondents were dominant religious demographic of the study area,
overrepresented in community-based surveys which can influence educational access and dropout
conducted in patriarchal societies, suggesting patterns. Studies such as Thompson et al., [21] have
barriers for women such as time constraints or emphasized the role of religious institutions in
cultural restrictions. Addressing such imbalances is shaping attitudes toward education, especially for
critical for inclusive research [19] girls.
Age Composition Causes of Girl Child School Dropouts
The age distribution revealed that the majority of The study identified poverty (100%), lack of girl-
respondents (34%) were aged 20–30 years, while 15% specific needs (97%), early marriages (67%), and peer
were aged 10–20 years, and another 15% were aged pressure (40%) as the primary causes of school
31–40 years. The higher representation of younger dropouts. These findings align with existing
age groups, particularly students, aligns with the literature. For instance, UNICEF reported that
study's objective of exploring issues like school poverty is the leading cause of girl child dropouts, as
dropouts, which predominantly affect younger families prioritize immediate financial needs over
demographics. Youth aged 15–25 constituted the education. Similarly, Miiro et al., [22] highlighted
bulk of respondents in educational research due to how unmet needs like menstrual hygiene supplies
their direct engagement with academic institutions severely affect school attendance for girls. Early
[19]. However, the study could benefit from marriages as a factor (67%) resonate with findings by
including older stakeholders such as parents and Nguyen and Wodon [23], who showed a strong
teachers for a broader perspective. correlation between early marriages and educational
Marital Status discontinuity for girls, particularly in rural areas.
The study showed that most respondents were single, Peer pressure (40%), though less significant, has been
correlating with the high student population (as recognized as a secondary factor, as noted by
students are often unmarried). This observation Mugisha and Kobusingye [24].
aligns with Khan et al., [20], who found that
younger, single individuals are more likely to
participate in studies related to educational

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Relationship Between Domestic Work and Girl [25], who identified the disproportionate domestic
Child School Dropouts burden on girls as a major barrier to education. The
The study revealed that domestic work leads to study suggested several interventions, including:
declines in academic performance, psychological Empowering students mentally, motivating teachers,
distress, laxity, and exhaustion, consuming time that improving learning aids.
could otherwise be spent studying. This aligns with
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study are consistent with similar differences. While the study aligns with broader
research conducted in low-income settings. However, literature, addressing gaps like gender representation
unique aspects such as the dominance of Catholics and including qualitative insights from teachers or
(80%) and specific dropout causes like lack of girl- parents could provide a more comprehensive
specific needs highlight regional and contextual understanding.
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CITE AS: Agengo Janet and Mugisha Andrew (2025). Domestic work and girl child school drop
outs: A case study of selected secondary schools in Kyamuhunga town council Bushenyi district.
IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 10(1):6-14.
https:/doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAM/2025/101.61400

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