Facteurs socio-economiques et reussite scolaire des filles en fin d'enseignement elementaire

Girls' education in Africa is a major concern of international institutions, states and grassroots organisations; but despite this emphasis, evidence shows that the situation has deteriorated since 1980 in Most African countries. Whatever the indicator, there is a wide disparity in levels of education and literacy between men and women: enrolment and performance levels are lower; and absenteeism and dropout rates are higher. Rates are also lower in sub-Saharan African than in other regions at comparable stages of development.

The objective of this study is to demonnstrate the problem as one of the multiple social repercussions and manifestations of the economic crisis. It analyses the links between socio-economic factors and what happens at the end of primary school, identified as a crucial moment in girls' education.

The study is framed in terms of democratisation and women's access to education; training and promotion; quality of education; and the equity of girls within the system. It focuses on the situation in sub-Saharan Africa generally, and in Senegal in particular; analysing in some detail the structure of the education system in Senegal; presenting case studies of Kaffarine and Guediawaye; and makes policy recommendations. The author is a distinguished scholar and advisor of many academic instituions in Africa and UNESCO. (In French)