According to a new UNICEF survey, the school dropout rate among adolescent girls is more than boys despite stipend support provided to girls. The amplitude of reasons for dropping out of school is a mixture of factors concerning with the responsibility of household chores, lack of funds, menstruation and many others.

The survey was conducted by the UNICEF in collaboration with the Population Council, Centre for Research on Environment, Health and Population Activities and Yuwalaya.

The findings of the survey ‘Holistic Adolescent Development in Nepal’ were circulated today in the capital in the presence of diverse officials from the government, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Population Fund, national development organisations and civil society representatives.

The survey covered 15 districts like Achham, Baitadi, Bajhang, Bajura, Dhanusha, Dolpa, Doti, Humla, Jumla, Kalikot, Mugu of Mid- and Far-Western regions and Mahottari, Parsa, Rautahat and Saptari of the Tarai region.

At the event, Will Parks, UNICEF Deputy Representative, highlighted the importance of the survey. “The findings of the baseline survey will help us understand the areas and issues that require our attentions to achieve results for and with adolescents for making a real difference in Nepal.” The survey was designed with a large household sample of 3,000 adolescents, 1,366 boys and 1,634 girls.

Some of the major issues raised by the adolescent girls during the participatory group discussions included sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination and harmful practices such as chaupadi, early marriage, untouchability, among others, while boys talked about alcoholism and drug abuse. “This will not only be helpful for the National Planning Commission in rolling out the National Plan of Action on Adolescents, but will also be helpful for other sectoral ministries,” said Bimala Rai Paudyal, Member, and NPC.

The survey provides important insight on the attitudes of adolescents towards marriage and violence. For example 60 per cent of adolescents believe that a boy can say no to an arranged marriage while only 46 per cent believe that a girl can. Similarly, 46 per cent of adolescent boys agreed that women should tolerate violence in order to keep harmony in the family compared to 42 per cent adolescent girls.

Findings
> The survey was designed with a large household sample of 3,000 adolescents, 1,366 boys and 1,634 girls
> 60 per cent of adolescents believe that a boy can say no to an arranged marriage while only 46 per cent believe that a girl can
> 46 per cent of adolescent boys agreed that women should tolerate violence in order to keep harmony in the family compared to 42 per cent adolescent girls

source: the himalayan times,19 june 2014