Abstract

There is no doubt that girls’ poor academic performance is a worldwide phenomenon; however, the problem seems
to be severe in Tanzania. Factors that range from the educational system, pedagogical, economic and sociocultural
factors are frequently associated with the problem of girls’ poor academic performance in Tanzania. While
the problem of girls’ poor academic performance is reported to prevail in Tanzania, different studies have been
conducted to examine the students’ academic performance on factors such as truancy, pregnancies, teaching and
learning materials, dropouts, and libraries. Although some of such studies have addressed academic performance,
they have not quite paid attention to Socio-cultural factors with exclusive effect on girls; as opposed to those
factors that affect both boys and girls. This paper therefore assessed the socio-cultural factors responsible for poor
academic performance of girls in community secondary schools in Tanzania. In line with findings, the paper
recommended that government and the community should endeavour to provide the necessary facilities needed
to enhance female education in the country.