Female Students’ Participation in English as a Foreign Language (Efl) Class in Conservative Iraqi Communities

This study, which uses both qualitative and quantitative methods, looks at the social, cultural, and institutional barriers that prevent women from participating in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom in conservative Iraqi communities. We got information from three public high schools in Al Najaf, Iraq, by doing surveys with 150 girls between the ages of 15 and 18, interviews with 10 teachers, and observations of classes. The surveys showed that 68% of girls didn't want to talk in classes with boys and girls because they were afraid of being judged (p < .05). On the other hand, 82% of girls talked more in classes with only girls (p < .01). Interviews and observations showed that cultural norms, like expectations of hijab and strict gender roles, made it hard for girls to work with boys during group activities. Teachers said that parents often didn't like English being linked to Western culture and that they didn't know how to talk about gender issues. Some of the suggested solutions were classes for only one gender, lessons based on local stories, and training programs for teachers. The study states that teachers should respect Iraqi traditions while also using fairer methods, like keeping English classes separate by gender and working with communities to change negative views about learning English. It stresses the need for school policies that respect local culture while also encouraging girls to take part.