The reasons of women's school leaving and views on the education of girls

This study aims to determine the opinions of women who have dropped out of school at any level of education, including primary, secondary and high school education, their thoughts about the education of girls and their reasons for leaving school. In this study, after completion of related literature research, a semi-structured interview form which was developed by the investigator was utilized. The interview form consists of two parts; personal information part and questions part to determine the underlying causes why women left the school. Thirty participants who are living in Tokat city centre were involved in the study. Implementation studies were conducted through face-to-face interviews in the second semester of 2019-2020. The interviews were recorded, and then the interviews were listened to by the investigator and written in detail. Content analyses were performed on the written data obtained. Women's views on girls' education are 'girls should be able to stand on their own feet, make their own decisions, have professions and skills, be knowledgeable, cultured and self-educated individuals, and all kinds of opportunities should be provided for the girl's education'. According to the results of analyses, the women's reasons for leaving school were grouped under four titles; educational system (coeducation, mobile teaching), family-related factors (care of siblings, financial support to the family, economic inadequacies), individual factors (unwilling to study, early marriage) and sociocultural factors (not being sent away from home, condemnation, underappreciation of daughters). The suggestions developed based on the research findings are as follows: It can be said that the education level of the parents related to the education of the girls is effective. Families can be made aware of this issue. Information can be provided on elimination of gender inequalities. Studies and campaigns can be increased by considering the contributions of women's education to the individual and the country. Various projects related to the prevention of early marriage can be increased and continued. There are various studies on access to school. If there are places where there are difficulties in this regard, transportation means can be provided to the school. Scholarships for children with economic disabilities can be given and dormitories can be increased. Various campaigns can be continued to support children with economic disabilities. Lessons can be made more interesting for the students with low academic success. In this way, girls can be prevented from leaving school. With the studies conducted, positive changes can be achieved in the perspective of families with traditional thinking about girls' education. Keywords: Education of Girls, Women's Education, Leaving School