UNESCO Report Shows Progress in Girls’ Education Worldwide

Recent data from UNESCO highlights the positive impact of investments in girls’ education over the past two decades. With fewer out-of-school girls (122 million) compared to boys (128 million), and a higher enrollment rate of women in higher education (114 per 100 men), the results of increased efforts are evident.

Titled ‘Her Education, Our Future’, the report showcases the significant progress in countries’ commitments to girls’ education since the Beijing Declaration in 1995. Today, 105 nations have banned education discrimination in their constitutions, reflecting a global shift towards gender equality in education.

However, despite these achievements, persistent pockets of exclusion remain, especially in African countries. Top ten countries with the highest out-of-school girls are predominantly in Africa, with significant challenges like early marriage, teen pregnancies, and gender stereotypes hindering progress.

Data from the Global Database on Educational Disparities reveals the stark inequalities faced by the poorest girls in ten selected countries. In nations like Guinea, Mali, and Mozambique, poor young women are significantly disadvantaged in accessing educational opportunities, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted intervention.

Inequalities in education persist, particularly in STEM fields, where boys show greater interest than girls. Gender biases, coupled with economic disparities, contribute to the educational divide, highlighting the importance of renewed efforts to invest in girls’ education.

UNESCO invites journalists to a screening of a documentary titled ‘Her Education, Our Future’ at Room I, UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The film portrays the stories of girls from Pakistan, Tanzania, and Brazil who have benefited from UNESCO programs, illustrating the transformative power of education for women worldwide.