Role of Benazir Income Support Program in Reducing Gender Disparity in Education: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Purpose: The main focus of this research study was to highlight the role of Benazir income support program (BISP) to educate the children below poverty line. It also explores that how the BISP conditional cash transfer has played its role in reducing gender disparity by increasing the enrolment rate of girl student in school.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Qualitative approach is used and data was collected by employing in-depth interviews from beneficiaries of BISP and their spouses. The participants were selected by purposive sampling technique. Forty couples were interviewed. The in-depth interview cover the aspects related to importance of children’s education, their preference of girl’s/boy’s education, role of BISP conditional cash transfer in changing their minds about children’s education etc.

Findings: The findings of the study show that although, the enrollment of girls has increased after BISP conditional cash transfer programs, but still there are certain issues which need to be addressed such as cultural norm of honor associated with females, child marriage and child labor. Majority reported hesitation about the idea of educating their daughter considering that it would damage their or spoil their daughters. In case of boys also, they prefer their boys to work and support the family, after getting primary education.

Implications/Originality/Value: On the basis of study findings it is recommended that monetary benefit may be increased to fulfill the needs beyond primary education.