SEGREGATION BY GENDER: EXPERIENCES OF LEARNERS IN PRACTICAL SUBJECTS IN THE ESWATINI AND ZIMBABWEAN CONTEXT

Abstract

This study explored the factors that influence the choice of practical subjects by learners and the forms of
gender segregation experienced by learners during the learning process. The population of the study
comprised all students taking practical subjects in Masvingo district and Manzini region schools in
Zimbabwe and Eswatini respectively. A sample of 50 participants was purposively selected from 30 schools
of which 30 participants were students from Masvingo district while 20 were from the Manzini region
comprising of 30 boys and 20 girls from both countries inclusive. The study established that the choice of
practical subjects was influenced by factors such as cultural and belief systems, parents and guardians.
The major effect of gender segregation on the learner was compromised academic attainment. The study
concluded that gender segregation in practical subjects was found highest in female dominated practical
subjects as most organisations and institutions initially focused more on the involvement of female in male
dominated areas. The study recommends that every school should have a clear gender policy in place
which is derived from the national policy for both countries.
KEYWORDS: Gender, practical subjects, segregation, equality, inequality