Underachievement of Gifted Girls: Causes and Solutions

Abstract

Much has been written on the phenomenon of the underachievement of gifted females; its frequency, implications and causes. If we are to redress this problem, effective strategies must be implemented which address the multiple issues concerned. The objective of this paper is to firstly summarise the reasons for underachievement, and secondly present an overview of the programs and strategies recommended and in some cases, implemented, which aim to prevent and/or rectify this.

“It is a national tragedy that a mere handful of gifted women have attained eminence while the remainder accept obscurity. How long can society continue to squander the brilliance of gifted women? How long will gifted women stand on the threshold of self actualisation, not taking steps that would fulfil their dreams because they might inconvenience someone? ”

(Kerr, 1985, page 167)

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