admin
Ruth Butaumocho Gender Editor
Enrolment figures for female students in tertiary institutions have remained depressed despite commitments made by the political leadership to ensure gender equality in all spheres of life.According to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, universities recorded 41 percent female enrolment this year, even though there are more women than men in Zimbabwe as per the 2012 national census.
Acting Principal Director in the ministry, Mr Sydney Mhishi, last week told Parliamentarians that there were more girls than boys at primary schools, but this trend was reversed when it came to enrolment at secondary school level and in institutions of higher learning.
Mr Mhishi and the Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mr Ngoni Masoka appeared before the Senate Thematic Committee on MDGs, which is chaired by Chief Mtshane
“At the moment, the net enrolment in primary schools is now at 96.7 percent – the highest in Africa, with more girls than boys being enrolled in primary schools than boys,” Mr Mhishi said.
“The decline, however, is between secondary and tertiary education, hence the 41 percent enrolment that we currently have. We are hoping the figures will go up to 50 percent so that we can reach the gender parity, to meet our goal.
“For instance a total of 62 000 were enrolled in tertiary institutions this year and only 41 percent of those were female.”
Most of the females enrolled in universities this year are pursuing arts and commercial degrees.
Statistics also indicate female students are increasingly opting to enrol in teacher training institutions than in universities and polytechnics. This is despite of the establishments of universities in all, but three provinces in Zimbabwe. The MDG progress reports are presented after every two years, with the next one expected in 2015, coinciding with their final assessment.
Online Reporter