Abstract:
This study aimed to examine the contribution of hairdressing as career to female school dropouts in the City of Kigali, Rwanda. The specific objectives were to identify the current state of female school dropouts pursuing hairdressing careers, assess the contribution of hairdressing to their socio-economic livelihoods, and analyze the challenges they face in the hairdressing business. The theories reviewed related to the subject study were, social learning theory, feminist theory, rational choice theory and life course theory. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a sample of 138 selected using the simple random sampling technique and respondents through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis, achieving a reliability coefficient of 0.923. The findings revealed that hairdressing offers a stable income, enables participants to support their families, and enhances self-esteem, despite limited professional growth and social stigma. The study identified several challenges faced by female hairdressers, including low wages, lack of training, job insecurity, and inadequate working conditions. Recommendations for improving the situation include enhanced training programs, supportive policy frameworks, financial support initiatives, and community awareness campaigns to promote hairdressing as a viable career.
