Girls perform better academically in more gender-equal countries

Gender equality in education matters because it levels the playing field. When girls are given the same opportunities and societal support as boys, they rise to the challenge.

The real game-changer is the impact on lower-performing students. In countries with lower gender equality, it’s the girls in the bottom quartile—the ones who are already struggling—who benefit the most from improvements in gender equality. Investing in gender-equal education can help lift those who need it the most, closing the achievement gap at every level.

Africa is home to a wide variety of education systems, cultures, and levels of development. While some countries like Botswana and Mauritius are making significant strides in gender equality and education, others still have a long way to go.

In countries with greater gender inequality, boys tend to outperform girls in most subjects. But even in these places, the gap is shrinking as gender equality improves.

Globally, we’ve seen girls overtake boys in terms of years spent in school, especially in high-income countries. Yet, in Africa, girls are still underrepresented in the classroom, particularly in higher education. Primary school enrolment for girls has improved across the continent but keeping them in school and ensuring they achieve at the same level as boys remains a challenge.