In light of the release of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results, it was evident that there was a gender gap with a greater number of females placing in the top one per cent of the country compared to the number of males.
Out of the 174 students who placed in the top one per cent, 104 were female, while 70 were male.
The gender gap is an issue which Guyana has seen for a number of years as it relates to academic performances. At the announcement of the results last week, these numbers were addressed by Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who explained that there was approximately the same number of males and females at the primary level.
However, the ratio is disrupted at the secondary level, where the number of males is reduced by half.
She stated, “At the primary level and nursery level, we have ratio of 1:1 of boys and girls. By the time they write CXC, we have two girls to every one boy. So, somewhere along the continuum, we’re losing them. That is data and enough reason for us to act.”
She noted that male underachievement at these examinations required “strategic” intervention and hence, a symposium was organised last week by the Ministry in collaboration with the University of Guyana (UG); the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Caricom to begin work on bridging the gender divide.
“These issues require evidence-based, scientific and proven strategies to address and, therefore, we’re bringing the experts. We have people who are from the international community, the regional community, our academic community, and other communities.”
The NGSA results were announced on Thursday last with the top performer being Nalia Rahaman of Westfield Prep, who secured a perfect score of 529 marks.
