Archive · 5 Jun 2025
UNESCO Report: Gender Gap in Education Leadership Persists
A new report by UNESCO shows that there are fewer women in charge of schools and universities than there are women teaching.
Even though women make up most of the teachers in many places, they don't often get to be the principals or heads of the schools.
This is also true for universities.
The report suggests that countries should help women get these leadership jobs, such as by providing special training.
When more women are in charge, kids do better in subjects like math and reading.
UNESCO report highlights the under-representation of women in education leadership globally.
Women comprise 57% of secondary school teachers but are less represented in principal roles.
In higher education, women make up 45% of faculty but only 30% of leadership roles.
India mirrors the global trend, with fewer women in leadership at secondary and tertiary levels.
Report recommends reforms like gender-sensitive recruitment and mentoring for women leaders.
- Who
- UNESCO, education leaders, and policymakers worldwide.
- What
- Under-representation of women in education leadership.
- When
- Report released June 2024, with data up to 2023.
- Where
- Globally, with focus on India and Francophone Africa.
- Why
- To address gender barriers in education leadership and promote inclusive and equitable quality education.
- Report
- UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024-25
- Female Secondary School Teachers (Globally)
- 57%
- Female Higher Education Leadership (Globally)
- 30%
- Female Elementary Teachers (India)
- 60%
- Female Education Ministers (2010-2023)
- 27%
