Abstract

Early Childhood Development has a significant impact on populations and societies. It contributes to the social transformation of communities, affecting both children and adults. Grassroots movements enabling community membersâ participation in such programs are replicable successful models for societal change. Early childhood developmentâ s multiple components of health, nutrition and hygiene affect child rearing practices of parents and various community members who are usually reached through the programâ s parental courses, training and community meetings. Early childhood development culturally appropriate, comprehensive programs have an impact on women that is hardly recognized. It contributes to participating womenâ s knowledge, awareness and empowerment. This study is concerned with the effect of culturally appropriate early childhood development on women empowerment and gender relations. The study adopts a qualitative research approach where data were collected through focus group discussions, interviews, observations and case studies. Findings of the study indicate a significant impact of early childhood education on women empowerment and gender relations. Furthermore, findings show that the success of the program heavily relied on its cultural contextualization, engagement and collaboration of community members.

Department

International & Comparative Education Department

Degree Name

MA in International & Comparative Education

Graduation Date

Fall 1-28-2013

Submission Date

May 2012

First Advisor

Zaalouk, Malak

Second Advisor

NA

Third Advisor

NA

Committee Member 1

Purinton, Ted

Committee Member 2

NA

Committee Member 3

NA

Extent

115 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy. The author has granted the American University in Cairo or its agents a non-exclusive license to archive this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study, and to make it accessible, in whole or in part, in all forms of media, now or hereafter known.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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