Improving the Quality of Education Through the Use of Gender-Sensitive Student Councils: Experience of Five Selected Districts in Tanzania

Abstract

This study explores the practical aspects of gender-sensitive and democratically elected student councils in terms of strengthening school leadership and governance and providing a platform for increased awareness and advocacy, involving male and female students, in order to address their needs and rights in primary and secondary schools in Tanzania. // Overall, the evidence from the study suggests that the student council plays a major role in strengthening school leadership and governance and increasing the ability of students, particularly girls, to voice their needs and concerns. Some students’ concerns were gender-based harassment, the right to quality education and quality health services, the elimination of corporal punishment and teachers’ responsibility and accountability. The use of student councils helps to improve the delivery of quality education in schools. For more positive outcomes and in parallel with the student council, teachers’ capacity should be improved and that of administrators responsible for implementing the laws, policies and guidelines on corporal punishment and readmission to school of pregnant girls. // Paper ID 138