|
Gender and Education for All
THE LEAP TO EQUALITY |
| | Text boxes |
| Box 3.1. Gender and primary enrolments: some simple associations | |
|
|
In general, the lower a country’s primary enrolment ratio, the greater the proportionate inequality between male and female enrolments. In the great majority of cases, such inequality is to the disadvantage of girls. Accordingly, the expansion path for enrolment growth within countries is typically unequal – where enrolments are low, boys are given preference in most countries and most regions of the world (Figure 3.1). There are, however, significant exceptions. The Islamic Republic of Iran, the Niger, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia are all countries where net enrolments are far less than 100%, yet where gender parity has been virtually achieved. Thus, the national context, including differences in policy, can clearly change the pattern.
| | Poverty contributes to under-enrolment. Figure 3.2 shows that primary net enrolment ratios rise with per capita income. However, there is considerable variability around the regression line. This is particularly true for countries at income levels lower than US$1,000 per capita, where many of the states of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are concentrated.
Accordingly, the gendered inequality of enrolments also falls as per capita incomes increase (Figure 3.3). Again, however, there is substantial variation, particularly at lower income levels. Thus, incomes need to be quite high (in excess of US$3,500 per capita) before inequality in enrolment is consistently removed. Similar relationships to these are found at the secondary level.
|
|
| box3.1.pdf |
|
Source: Statistical annex, Tables 1 and 5.
|
|
|
E-mail this Page
