Abstract
M.Ed.
Despite a number of international, regional and national initiatives concerning
girls' access to education, as well as retaining them within and promoting their
achievement in education, imbalances persist. It appears that the majority of girls
still do not have access to education. When they do, they are not retained in the
education system and when they are retained, they are inclined to study in the
humanities rather than obtain technical skills. Moreover, their achievements are
devalued. This research seeks to describe female and male learners' perceptions of the
differences that exist in the education of boys and girls, if any, with special
reference to girls' access to education, retaining them and promoting their
achievement in education in Mpumalanga. It also describes some implications for
The literature survey which was conducted revealed various challenges,
successes, commitments and pledges regarding the education of girls, as well as
hope for an improvement in the situation.