Barriers to Access and Retention in Higher Education among Muslim Women: A Study of Murshidabad District.

Abstract Higher education plays a crucial role in the social, economic, and cultural empowerment of women. However, Muslim women in India continue to remain underrepresented in higher education, especially in educationally backward districts like Murshidabad in West Bengal. The present study aims to examine the major social, economic, political, and cultural barriers that affect access to and retention in higher education among Muslim women in Murshidabad district. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected from Muslim women students through a self-constructed questionnaire. The findings reveal that poverty, early marriage, lack of parental awareness, inadequate institutional support, and socio-cultural restrictions significantly hinder enrolment and completion of higher education. The study suggests that targeted policy interventions, awareness programs, and improved educational support systems are essential to enhance higher education participation among Muslim women. Keywords: Higher Education, Muslim Women, Access, Retention, Barriers, Murshidabad