Abstract
This chapter addresses one of the biggest educational challenges of our time: inequalities in access to education. Today, students have difficulty accessing quality education for social, cultural, or political reasons. However, perhaps the saddest of these reasons is the inability to access education because of gender. Unfortunately, in some countries, girls' right to education is denied or restricted. In this regard, the socio-cultural structure of the country is effective, as well as the perspective of the sector in which education is sought for female students. In this chapter, the subject will be discussed in terms of maritime education, where female students face problems more or less all over the world. The difficulties experienced by female students in maritime universities first and in their work later will be discussed, and solutions will be suggested.
TopBackground
In some parts of the world, the enrolment rate of children is very low, and this is particularly true for girls. Despite the equality in the distribution of the population by sex, gender inequality is still traditionally visible both in public life and within the family. In patriarchal family structures, the needs of adult men and boys are prioritized over those of women and girls, and there is even discrimination between women and girls (UNICEF, 2010; Adıguzel, 2013). As can be seen from basic indicators such as the low enrollment rates of girls and the high infant and maternal mortality rates of illiterate women, this situation can have a negative impact on both the development and education of children and the future of society. Research shows that women's education has positive effects on human development. An educated woman is more conscious and sensitive about her own health and the health of her children in terms of nutrition, hygiene (cleanliness), disease prevention, vaccination, and education, thus increasing the chances of survival of both herself and her children (KSSGM, 2001). This reduces infant, child, and maternal mortality rates. In addition, an educated woman tends to give birth to as many children as she can take care of at any time. What's more, an educated woman will have a greater say in family relations, leading to a reduction in gender inequality in other areas (UNICEF.org, 2003).
In research conducted by United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund ([UNICEF], 2010), the obstacles faced by girls in education are listed. The list is given in the following lines (UNICEF, 2010; KSSGM, 2001):
Key Terms in this Chapter
Gender-Equality: The situation in which the members of a society or institution have the same rights and freedom regardless of their gender. The state of not having any privilege or superiority because of the gender.
Male-Dominated: School or workplace with a male majority.
Female Students: Girls/women who go to school.
Mentoring: Guiding a person and helping him/her gain experience by answering the question s/he may have or by leading him/her in some uncertain situations.
Maritime: A general name for everything that has something to do with the sea.
Overcoming Barriers: Destroying the obstacles that prevent the realization of any event.
Universities: Educational institutions that are attended after high school and provide in-depth knowledge on a certain subject, provide graduates with the ability to perform a certain profession.
Leadership: The art of affecting people and directing them to a certain way.