IMPLEMENTING GENDER EQUALITY IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM: IMPROVING ACCESS TO EDUCATION FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS
Abstract
This article examines the implementation of gender equality in education with a particular focus on improving access to educational opportunities for women and girls. Gender equality in education is recognized as a fundamental human right and a key driver of sustainable development, social justice, and economic growth. Despite significant progress in recent decades, gender disparities persist at various levels of education due to socio-cultural norms, economic constraints, institutional barriers, and policy gaps. The study analyzes international experiences, policy frameworks, and empirical research findings related to gender equality in education. Using qualitative analysis of reports from international organizations and academic literature, the article evaluates existing strategies aimed at enhancing girls’ educational participation and outcomes. The findings highlight that inclusive policies, targeted financial support, safe learning environments, and gender-sensitive curricula are essential for ensuring equal educational opportunities. The article concludes that achieving gender equality in education requires coordinated efforts among governments, educational institutions, and civil society to address structural inequalities and promote lifelong learning opportunities for women and girls.
Keywords
gender equality, education system, women’s education, girls’ access to education, inclusive education, educational policy.
References
- UNESCO. Global Education Monitoring Report: Gender Review. Paris: UNESCO Publishing, 2023, pp. 12–18.
- UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Education and Gender Equality Indicators. Montreal, 2022, pp. 25–30.
- Creswell, J. W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 5th ed. London: Sage, 2018, pp. 189–195.
- UN Women. Gender Equality and Education Policy Brief. New York, 2021, pp. 7–12.
- World Bank. Girls’ Education and Economic Development. Washington, DC, 2020, pp. 33–40.
- UNICEF. Safe Schools and Gender Equality. New York, 2019, pp. 21–26.
- UNESCO. Cracking the Code: Girls’ and Women’s Education in STEM. Paris, 2017, pp. 14–20.
- OECD. Education at a Glance. Paris: OECD Publishing, 2022, pp. 88–94.
- UNFPA. Child Marriage and Girls’ Education. New York, 2020, pp. 41–46.
- World Bank. Digital Technologies in Education. Washington, DC, 2021, pp. 52–58.
- Unterhalter, E. Gender, Education and Global Development. London: Routledge, 2014, pp. 101–110.
- Stromquist, N. P. Women, Education and Empowerment. Albany: SUNY Press, 2015, pp. 67–74.