Educational attainment and associated factors among women in Somaliland using the 2020 Somaliland Health and Demographic Survey

Abstract Education is a crucial factor for advancing social and economic development and achieving gender equality. In Somaliland, many women continue to face considerable obstacles in accessing education, particularly beyond the primary level. Therefore, this study identified the main factors that affect women’s educational attainment in different regions of Somaliland. This research utilized data from the 2020 Somaliland Health and Demographic Survey, including 3,938 women aged 15 to 49. Educational level was classified as no education, primary education, and secondary or higher education. A partial proportional odds ordinal logistic regression model was fitted to identify risk factors of women’s education level in Somaliland. We found that about 77% of women had no education, 15% had primary education, and 8.37% had secondary education or higher. The key factors affecting women’s education included access to media, socioeconomic status, regional disparities, and the age of marriage. Policymakers should address these factors to create equitable opportunities for women.