Girls’ Education
According to UNICEF¹, 122 million girls worldwide are out of school. While nearly half of countries (49%) have achieved gender parity in primary education, the gap grows larger as girls get older. Only 42% of countries have reached parity in lower secondary education, and just 24% at the upper secondary level.
The situation is especially severe in countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence. In these areas, girls are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys and 90% more likely to miss out on secondary education compared to girls in more stable countries (World Bank²).
The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened these inequalities, disrupting girls’ education, health, and well-being. Many girls have not returned to school, and rising levels of violence against women and girls during the pandemic have further threatened their safety and future.
But girls’ education is about more than just access to school. It’s about safe, inclusive learning environments where girls are supported in choosing subjects and careers they’re passionate about.
Gender-equitable education systems don’t just benefit girls—they empower all students. They help young people develop essential life skills like:
- Communication
- Self-management
- Critical thinking
- Negotiation
Skills that are crucial not only for personal success but also for building stronger, more prosperous societies.
References
¹ UNICEF. Girls’ Education. https://www.unicef.org/education/girls-education
² World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/