Why gender in education?
Learn about the issues and take action
Gender equality in education: a goal worth striving for
The first step to taking action for girls’ education and gender equality is to get informed. Gender equality in education means that all girls and all boys not only have equal opportunities to access and complete their education, but are empowered equally in and through education. As we make progress towards gender equality in education, we unlock progress for sustainable development more broadly - from fairer economies, to more peaceful societies, climate justice and more.
Sign up to the UNGEI newsletter
How does gender equality in education benefit countries?
The facts
Research shows that educating girls is one of the most powerful ways of breaking cycles of poverty. Education can have positive impacts on women’s wages and access to decent work. Girls’ education improves national productivity and contributes to economic growth.
Through education, girls are empowered with basic health knowledge which can help them to better take care of themselves and others. Educated women have better reproductive health, including a reduced risk of contracting HIV.
Girls’ education is associated with increased family and community resilience to extreme weather events and natural disasters. Educated girls are empowered to support peacebuilding and recovery efforts following a conflict or crisis.
Educated women tend to have smaller, more sustainable families. Their children are more likely to be healthier, wealthier and better educated. Girls’ education creates a positive cycle, with the power to transform societies and change the world.