The Promotion of Gender Equality in Education Essay Example

Introduction and problem statement

Research has shown that education is not only a basic human right, but the best effective way to achieving development, as it will further facilitate the achievement of other developmental goals and increase the probability of progress that will be sustained. Although nations have made progress in narrowing shortcomings in education and opportunities available to men and women, gender discrepancies still persist. 

The following brief synthesizes research findings, analysis and recommendations on closing the gender gap in education by focusing on the following: what is considered to be the benchmark for equal education, the importance and impact of gender equality in education, and provide solutions to addressing the gender-equality gap in education. 

Benchmark, industry standards

The Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) serves as a benchmark and comparison guide to achieving gender equality in economic participation, education, health, and political participation. The GGGI rankings based on population average of 156 participating nations included in this year’s study concluded that the evidence of gender equality in the four dimensions stands at 67.7% and to address the remaining challenges requires 32.3%. Global gender gaps in educational attainment are almost closed at 95%, with 37 countries already having attained full gender equality. However, fulfilling the remaining 5% in this regard has been projected to take approximately 14 years to complete. Factors that could further prolong this process include socio-economic challenges, discriminatory cultural practices, such as child-marriages, early pregnancies, lack of access to menstrual products and healthcare.  

The importance and impact of gender equality in education

Societies that promote gender equality reap benefits such as faster economic growth; improved development outcomes, and make institutions and policies more inclusive.  Since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of 1995, the global enrolment rate for girls has increased from 73% to 89%. Although school closures due to the pandemic may result in a high dropout rate, UNESCO predicts that 11 million girls will not return to school. Strides taken in closing the gender gap should be commended, however more emphasis has been placed on enrolment rather than the practices promoted to achieve gender equality through education. Learning material is not being evaluated in terms of perceptions, prejudices, and stereotypes which may contribute to inequality, discrimination and gender-based violence. There is a gap between the promise of gender equality in education and its realisation. Efforts that focus on the enrolment of girls fail to ensure that learners are being taught in gender-equal environments. 

Conclusion and recommendations 

For education to be more impactful and geared towards inclusive gender-equal practices, a provision of basic services along with changes in cultural and societal norms and reviewed practices in state institutions may help close the gender gap in education. Schools play an integral part as, the curricula may address gender biases, interactions in the classroom may further help promote gender-focused values from a young age.