Global education patterns are changing. Within formal education systems, from the primary to the tertiary
levels, opportunities are expanding, literacy levels are improving and enrolment is rising. But are these changes advancing the goal of gender parity and equality in education across regions and countries?
Between promise and progress
Data indicate that progress towards gender parity at the primary school level continues, yet the gap between boys and girls remains wide. An estimated 35 million girls of primary school age and 37 million girls of lower secondary school age were not enrolled in school in 2009 – narrowing their horizons and undermining their potential to contribute to society.
What is the role of the UIS?
As part of global effort to achieve Education for All by 2015, the UIS produces as many indicators as possible disaggregated by sex, and has developed new indicators that better capture the school experience of girls and boys. These data shed light on national experiences but also help to formulate policies and benchmark progress toward gender parity and equality in education.
The Global Education Digest 2010 is a comprehensive resource of gender disaggregated data and analysis.