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Key Points

A UN report exposes 15 million primary-age girls globally are out of school due to systemic gender barriers. Afghanistan faces extreme regression under Taliban rule, with 78% of young women excluded from education. Each additional school year significantly improves girls’ health, economic, and marital outcomes. The findings highlight urgent need for policy interventions to safeguard girls' right to education.

Key Points: 15 Million Girls Out of School Due to Gender Bias UN Finds

  • 15M girls vs 10M boys miss primary education globally
  • Afghanistan sees 78% young women out of school
  • Early pregnancies and domestic duties drive dropout rates
  • Gender gaps persist despite near-parity enrollment averages
3 min read

Fifteen million primary-age girls out of school globally due to gender discrimination, UN report reveals

UN report reveals 15M primary-age girls lack education access, with Afghanistan facing severe setbacks under Taliban rule.

"Each year in school reduces early marriage chances and boosts employment prospects – UN Women Report"

New York, August 14

15 million primary-age girls around the world are currently out of school, as systemic gender discrimination continues to hinder equal access to education for girls and young women globally, a new report by UN Women revealed on Wednesday.

According to the report, despite progress over recent decades, including near gender parity in primary and secondary school enrolment rates on average, the disparities remain significant in many regions, with some areas where as many as 48.1 per cent of girls stay out of school.

The situation is particularly stark when compared to boys, with 15 million girls out of primary school versus 10 million boys, the report revealed.

The report notes that more girls than ever before are attending school, and each additional year of education after the primary level greatly improves a girl's chances of avoiding early marriage, gaining employment, and achieving better health and overall well-being.

However, adolescent girls continue to face barriers to education, with many dropping out of secondary school due to early pregnancy and expectations to assist with domestic responsibilities.

"More girls than ever before are going to school. Not only do they learn to read and write, but each year that they remain in school after the primary level reduces their chance of marrying at too young an age. It increases their prospects for employment, health and overall well-being. Girls and women have an equal right to a quality education and learning throughout all phases of their lives," the report read.

"Despite progress, as many as 48.1 per cent of girls remain out of school in some regions. Gender gaps in primary and secondary enrolment rates have nearly closed, on average. Yet 15 million girls are not in primary school right now, compared to 10 million boys. In adolescence, higher numbers of girls often drop out of secondary school for reasons including early pregnancy and the expectation that they should contribute to household work," it added.

The United Nations in a post on X also highlighted that matter, stating, "Education is a human right. Yet, young women & girls continue to face discrimination & marginalisation in many countries, including unequal access to school."

The report came during a time which marks the fourth anniversary of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, after it recaptured the country following the US and the allied forces' withdrawal in 2021.

According to UN Women, 78 per cent of young Afghan women are not in education, employment or training, nearly four times the rate for young men. It also mentioned that by 2026, early childbearing is projected to rise by 45 per cent, with Maternal mortality potentially increasing by more than 50 per cent.

It further noted that denying girls a secondary education will also cost Afghanistan 2.5 per cent of its GDP every year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The Afghanistan numbers are shocking! 78% of young women not in education or employment? This is exactly why we need strong international pressure on regimes that deny basic rights. Education isn't a privilege, it's a fundamental right for all.
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Ananya R
While the report highlights global issues, let's not forget rural India still faces challenges. In my village, many girls drop out after primary school to help at home or get married. We need better implementation of existing policies and more awareness among parents.
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David E
The economic impact is staggering - Afghanistan losing 2.5% GDP annually from denying girls education. This isn't just a social issue, it's an economic disaster for nations that enforce these discriminatory practices.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, while the UN report is important, it oversimplifies some issues. In many traditional societies, safety concerns for girls traveling to school are real. We need solutions that address both education access AND security concerns.
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Shreya B
As someone who almost dropped out due to family pressure, this hits close to home. Thankfully my teachers intervened. Every girl deserves champions who will fight for her right to learn. Education changed my life completely 🙏

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