Gender imbalance in education: what can donors do to address it?

Gender disparity is present is many areas, especially in middle and low-income countries, and education is definitely among them. That is why girls’ education remains a priority area for many actors in international development. The article recently posted at Global Education Monitoring Report portal defines the problem and presents actions that education aid donors undertake to address it.

The key point is that in a majority of countries, no matter high or low-income, women make up a minority of students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as in information communication technology (ICT). Nevertheless there are countries, like Cuba and Tunisia that succeeded to reach parity between men and women in these specialties, proving it is possible. Nowadays girls are not likely to get science or engineering education and, as a result, profession, so it is important to improve career guidance and orientation advice services at schools. While preparing the Gender Report, GEM Team and UNESCO have sent a questionnaire to the G7 aid agencies to compile a map of existing programs and activities in the area and the most remarkable ones are presented in the post.

Learn more about tackling gender imbalance in education at World Education Blog.