Gender Equality in and through Education: A Research Synthesis

This synthesis report brings together findings from six international research projects focused on advancing gender equality within education systems. It examines how teaching practices, school culture, institutional structures, and policy environments can either reinforce inequalities or become powerful drivers of equity, empowerment, and inclusion.

The report highlights multi-layered barriers shaping gender disparities at individual, household, school, community, and national levels. It presents evidence on interventions such as gender-responsive pedagogy, inclusive school leadership, mentorship programmes for marginalized girls, social-support initiatives, and strategies to prevent school-related gender-based violence. It also explores how educational technologies can support equitable participation when designed and implemented with gender sensitivity.

Drawing on the experiences of more than 20 global partners, the document offers practical lessons on which approaches work best, under what conditions, and what challenges must be addressed to scale impact. It identifies core strategies for sustainable change — including whole-system reform, community engagement, targeted support for marginalized learners, safe school environments, and evidence-based expansion of effective models.

Overall, this synthesis provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, school leaders, civil-society organizations, and development actors committed to building more just, inclusive, and gender-equitable education systems.

Reference:Gender Equality in and through Education: A Research Synthesis https://reliefweb.int/report/world/gender-equality-and-through-education-research-synthesis

Gender equality in and through education -- a research synthesis.pdf

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