GENDER EQUALITY AND EDUCATION

Abstract

Gender Equality means that people of all gender have equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities. Everyone is affected by gender in equality-women, men and gender diverse people. Gender equality is a human right. Education plays an important role for gender equality. Education enhances employment opportunities, makes better health and empowers every gender of the society about their rights. India had ranked 127th among 146 countries in the global gender gap Index 2023. This index shows that India’s position is not good in gender equality. Gender-based discrimination in education is both a cause and a consequence of deep-rooted disparities in society. Poverty, geographical isolation, ethnic background, disability, traditional attitudes about their status and role all undermine the ability of women and girls to exercise their rights. Harmful practices such as early marriage and pregnancy, gender-based violence, and discriminatory education laws, policies, contents and practices still prevent millions of girls’ form enrolling, completing and benefiting from education. Gender must therefore be integrated at all levels of education, from early childhood to higher education, in formal and non-formal settings and from planning infrastructure to training teachers.