Gender Gap in Education

Syllabus: GS1/ Society

Context

• The World Economic Forum (WEF)report of 2024 on global gender gaps ranked India at 129 out of 146 economies, with a decline in the education sector being one of the reasons for India’s poor rank.

Status of Gender Gap in Education

1. Enrolment Rates and Literacy Gap:
   • Women in India have high enrolment rates in primary, secondary, and tertiary education. However, the literacy gap between men and women remains significant, with women lagging behind by 17.2 percentage points.
   • India’s ranking in the WEF report for education has declined, indicating challenges in achieving gender parity despite enrolment gains.
2. Higher Education and STEM Representation:
   • Women’s gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education slightly exceeds that of men, indicating progress. However, women’s representation in STEM subjects remains low, comprising only 42.5% of enrolments from undergraduate to PhD levels.
3. Adult Literacy Concerns:
   • Census data from 2011 shows a considerable gap in adult literacy, with only 64.63% of women being literate compared to 80.88% of men.

Reasons for Gender Gap in Education

1. Access to Schools:
   • In rural areas especially, the lack of schools within a reasonable distance from homes discourages girls’ enrolment.
2. Early Marriage:
   • High rates of early marriage restrict girls’ continuation in education, as they are often expected to take on household responsibilities early in life.
3. Poverty:
   • Economic hardships lead families to prioritize immediate income over education, affecting girls disproportionately.
4. Safety Concerns:
   • Harassment and safety concerns during travel and within schools deter parents from sending their daughters to school.

Government Initiatives

1. National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education:
   • Aims to encourage girls’ enrolment and retention by providing incentives, now accessible through the National Scholarship Portal.
2. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
   • Focuses on holistic education reform, aiming to bridge gender gaps in education through various initiatives.
3. WISE-KIRAN Scheme:
   • Implemented by the DST to enhance women’s participation in Science and Technology fields, promoting gender parity.

Incentives Required for Girls

1. Infrastructure Development:
   • Building more schools, especially in underserved areas, can increase access and enrolment, particularly for girls.
2. Female Teachers:
   • Prioritizing hiring female teachers, especially in primary schools, can enhance the comfort level of parents in sending their daughters to school.
3. Transportation Facilities:
   • Providing free or subsidized transport options like bus passes or cycles can improve access to education for girls, particularly in rural areas.
4. Sanitation Facilities:
   • Proper sanitation facilities in schools are crucial, especially for girls as they progress through higher grades, to prevent dropouts due to hygiene concerns.

Conclusion

• While India has made strides in improving girls’ enrolment in education, significant challenges persist in achieving gender parity, particularly in literacy rates, STEM education, and retention in higher education. Addressing these challenges requires sustained efforts in infrastructure development, policy implementation, and community engagement to ensure equitable access and quality education for all girls across the countryTop of FormBottom of Form

Source: TH