Around 15 million girls of primary school age are currently not in school worldwide, as gender-based discrimination continues to block equal learning opportunities for girls and young women, according to a new UN Women report released on this week
According to a new UN Women report, gender-based discrimination still prevents girls and young women from having equal access to education, resulting in around 15 million primary school-age girls not attending school globally.
The report highlights that while there has been progress over the past few decades, with primary and secondary school enrolment rates for girls coming close to matching those of boys on average, the gap remains wide in several regions. In some areas, as many as 48.1 per cent of girls are still unable to attend school.
In comparison, the number of boys out of primary school stands at about 10 million, making the scale of the problem more severe for girls.
Education’s Link to Better Opportunities
The report points out that more girls than ever before are now enrolled in schools. Every year spent in education beyond the primary level greatly increases a girl’s chances of avoiding child marriage, finding work, and enjoying better health and overall quality of life.
Yet, many adolescent girls face obstacles that push them out of education. Early pregnancies and pressure to take on household responsibilities are among the main reasons for girls leaving secondary school before completion.
Regional Disparities and Continuing Gaps
Nearly half of girls in some regions remain out of school despite progress,” the report states. While the overall gender gap in enrolment has nearly closed, the figures—15 million girls versus 10 million boys out of primary school—show a clear imbalance.
The United Nations also posted on X, calling education a basic human right and stressing that women and girls in many countries still face marginalisation and unequal access to learning.
Impact in Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule
This report was released on the fourth anniversary of the Taliban’s 2021 comeback to power in Afghanistan.According to UN Women, 78% of Afghan youth are not enrolled in school, employment, or training at the moment—nearly four times as many as young men.
In Afghanistan, maternal deaths may climb by more than 50% by 2026, while early childbirth is predicted to increase by 45%.The UN also warns that Afghanistan will lose 2.5% of its annual GDP if girls are not allowed to attend secondary education.
