Higher educational problems of women in Lakshadweep islands

Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands in the Arabian sea, south-west coast part of India. with only 64473 population it is the smallest union territory of India (Census-2011). People from geographically isolated regions face unique barriers in every way, but especially in infrastructure. There are only 4 colleges in Lakshadweep Island and they are kilometers away from most of the Islands. This study looks at the higher education problems of women in the Lakshadweep Islands, which are more than 400 kilometers from mainland India. Using primary data from 200 female students aged 18-23, the study identifies key barriers to their educational goals. The findings show that structural and geographical constraints, particularly transportation (97%), and a lack of educational institutions (94.5%), are the most significant barriers. Informational gaps (82.5%) and quality of teaching (57%) exacerbate these challenges, while socio-cultural constraints remain relatively minimal. In present study geographical isolation and lack infrastructure are the main factors affecting higher education of women. Mental problems associated with far away from home and inadequate facilities to go to home during emergencies take back women from taking quality education from mainland India. Followed by these problems financial problems also affecting women desire to study interested courses and college. The study highlights the need for infrastructural development, policy intervention, and awareness programs to improve women’s access to higher education in island regions.