Higher Education as a Catalyst for Women’s Empowerment: A Study on College-Going Girls

Abstract

This study explores the role of higher education as a catalyst for women’s empowerment, with a specific focus on college-going girls. By leveraging secondary data from government reports, educational surveys, and academic publications, the research highlights how access to higher education significantly contributes to enhancing women's socio-economic status, self-confidence, and decision-making power. The analysis reveals that higher education not only improves employment opportunities for women but also fosters awareness of legal rights, health issues, and gender equality. Furthermore, the study examines the influence of educational attainment on delaying early marriages and promoting leadership roles among young women. Despite notable progress, the findings also point to persistent challenges such as gender bias, financial constraints, and socio-cultural barriers that hinder the full potential of higher education in empowering women. The research underscores the need for targeted policy interventions, scholarship programs, and inclusive curricula to ensure that higher education becomes a truly transformative tool for girls across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Ultimately, the study affirms that higher education is instrumental in fostering a more equitable and empowered society for women.

Keywords: Women’s empowerment, higher education, college-going girls, secondary data, gender equality, socio-economic development, education policy, youth leadership.