UNESCO warns that 133 million girls remain out of school worldwide

Monday 22 September 2025 - 08:00

By: Sahili Aya

UNESCO warns that 133 million girls remain out of school worldwide

Despite significant progress over the past three decades in advancing gender equality in education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reports that 133 million girls around the world are still denied access to schooling.

According to the organization, the main obstacles include insufficient funding, persistent gender bias, and restrictive policies in some countries. While girls’ enrollment in primary education has risen from 92% to near universal coverage, and secondary education rates have climbed from 52% to 77% since the 1990s, disparities remain stark.

Higher education has also seen remarkable progress, with the number of female students tripling in 30 years—from 41 million to 139 million. UNESCO emphasizes that these achievements are the result of active support provided to member states, including guidance on public policies and targeted initiatives.

Nevertheless, inequalities persist, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), where women account for only 35% of graduates. In 2024, UNESCO worked with 17 countries to lower barriers for girls, implementing mentorship programs and teacher training aimed at encouraging their participation in these fields.