The purpose of this study was to assess the participation and performance of female pupilsrnin primary schools of Awassa town.rnTo achieve this aim, 430 primary pupils; 81 teachers; diTectors of all the sample schools; 79rnparents and 2 women representatives were in volved as research participants. The requiredrndata was sec ured using different instruments such as: questionnaiTes, guided interview, testrnadministration, document analysis and foc us group discussion. Accordingly, the datarnsecured was analyzed by using different methods of data analysis, like: narrative approachrnfor qualitative data and statistical approach (including percentages and t- test) forrnquantitative data.rnThe results obtained indicate that female participation (enro lment) in Awassa ISrnencouraging.rnHowever, the findings furth er indicate that not aU schoo l-age girls in the town are attendingrnschool. The major reasons indicated for not going to school were economic problem andrnhousehold demand of child labor. Regarding survival in the education system, femalernpupils survival compared with their peer opposite sexes is high. Girls repeat grades morernthan boys. Besides, absenteeism is also considerable for female pupils. The testrnadministration revealed that no significant difference in achievement is observed betweenrnthe two sexes in English and mathematics. The schoo ls under study are impoverished, theyrnlack basic amenities like: drinking water, books, library, laboratory, --- etc. It was furtherrnidentified that school- community relationship is poor. Further more, political andrninstitutional factors are found to be conducive in promoting female education.rnImplications fo rwarded in terms of intervention strategies include: providing economic orrnmaterial incentives for poor households, improving existing facilities in schools, promotingrngender sensitive training, arranging guidance and counseling services in schools, enhancingrnthe rights and status of female pupils, increasing the number of female teachers andrndirectors, developing appropriate record keeping system in schools, strengthening schoolcommunityrnrelation ship and making schools conducive and friend ly fo r giTls.