Syllabus
GS Paper II – Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Context
The World Economic Forum (WEF) report of 2024 on global gender gaps recently ranked India at 129 out of 146 economies, with a decline in the education sector being one of the reasons for India’s rank slipping a couple of places this year.
Gender gap in Education
Introduction
The Global Gender Gap Report 2024, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), assesses gender disparities across four critical dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment. This index, which has been tracking progress since its inception in 2006, benchmarks gender parity in 146 economies, offering insights into the efforts made by countries to close gender gaps over time. In the 18th edition, India’s ranking slipped to 129th out of the 146 countries assessed. While no nation has achieved full gender parity, 97% of the economies included in this edition have closed more than 60% of their gender gap, compared to 85% in 2006. Notably, Iceland continues to lead the index, having closed over 90% of its gender gap. However, the slow pace of progress suggests that achieving full parity remains a distant goal, with an estimated 134 years needed to reach it – well beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal target.
World Economic Forum (WEF) report of 2024
- Gender Parity Levels in India:
- According to the WEF report, India’s gender parity levels declined from the previous year.
- While women’s enrollment in primary, secondary, and tertiary education is high, the rate of increase has been modest.
- The literacy gap between men and women is significant, with a 17.2 percentage point difference.
- India ranks 124th in this indicator, with an education score of 0.964.
- Educational Parity in 2023:
- In the 17th edition (2023), India achieved a perfect score of 1.000 in terms of educational parity.
- This impressive performance placed India 26th in the education category.
The Union Education Ministry tracks school and college enrolment data using two major collection systems: Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) and All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE).
UDISE+ Report: School Enrolment
- Total Enrolment: There are 13.79 crore boys and 12.73 crore girls enrolled in schools, with girls constituting 48% of the student population.
- Gender Distribution Across Education Stages:
- Preschool/Kindergarten: Girls account for 46.8%.
- Primary School (Classes 1-5): Girls represent 47.8%.
- Upper Primary (Classes 6-8): Girls make up 48.3%.
- Secondary School (Classes 9-10): Girls comprise 47.9%.
- Higher Secondary (Classes 11-12): Girls constitute 48.3%.
- Notably, there’s a gradual increase in the proportion of girls from preschool to upper primary levels. However, a dip occurs at the secondary school level, likely due to the end of free education after Class 8. The gender gap narrows again at the higher secondary level, suggesting that girls who continue their education beyond compulsory years are more likely to complete schooling.
AISHE Report: Higher Education Enrolment
- The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for women in higher education is 28.5%, slightly higher than the male GER of 28.3%.
- Female enrolment in higher education has seen a significant 32% increase since 2014-15.
- This data indicates that women who enter higher education are slightly more likely to continue their studies compared to their male counterparts.
- The substantial increase in female enrolment over the past several years suggests a positive trend in women’s access to higher education.
Factors Improving Girls’ Education in India
- Accessibility of Schools:
- Building more schools within 1-2 km of children’s homes has significantly increased enrolment, especially for girls.
- The substantial growth in school numbers since the mid-90s correlates with a spike in nationwide girl enrolment.
- Regional Differences:
- States that invest in building more public secondary and higher secondary schools observe higher girl enrolment.
- For instance, Gujarat (with 45.2% girls in secondary classes) lags behind poorer states like Jharkhand (50.7%), Chhattisgarh (51.2%), Bihar (50.1%), and Uttar Pradesh (45.4%).
- Presence of Women Teachers:
- Schools with only male teachers face lower girl enrolment due to parents’ discomfort.
- Areas with low enrolment often have primary schools with only one or two teachers.
- Transportation Initiatives:
- Free bus passes in states like Haryana, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu have significantly improved enrolment.
- Free bicycle schemes in Bihar and other states have also helped, although their effectiveness is less pronounced in Rajasthan.
- Sanitation Challenges:
- Sanitation remains a major obstacle for girls’ education, especially after puberty.
- Lack of funding for the maintenance of school washrooms exacerbates this issue.
Emerging Challenges
- Reverse Gender Gap in Some States:
- In certain states, there is a reverse gender gap in higher classes, with higher girl enrolment.
- Notable examples include:
- West Bengal: 55.7% girls in higher secondary.
- Chhattisgarh: 53.1% girls.
- Tamil Nadu: 51.2% girls.
- Boys Dropping Out:
- Concerns arise about boys leaving school before completion in specific areas.
- Factors contributing to this include: a) The Right to Education Act, which prevents failing until Class 8. b) Pressure on poorer boys to earn a living.
- Gender Disparity in Higher Education Disciplines:
- Women constitute only 42.5% of STEM students across undergraduate to Ph.D. levels.
- Encouraging more girls to opt for STEM subjects remains a challenge.
- Adult Literacy Gap:
- As per the 2011 Census data, 64.63% of women are literate compared to 80.88% of men.
- There’s a need for improved foundational literacy in schools and adult education programs, especially for rural women.
Way forward
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Career Guidance and Mentorship:
- Establishing infrastructure that connects students, especially girls, with mentors and professionals in STEM fields.
- Enhancing career awareness through guidance and mentorship programs.
- Community Action to Challenge Gender Norms:
- Orchestrating a participatory community movement to empower girls.
- Fostering parental belief in their daughters’ capabilities and encouraging equal educational opportunities.
- Use of Technology:
- Implementing mobile-based learning apps and radio programs.
- Delivering educational content to women who cannot attend regular classes due to various constraints.
- Economic Incentives:
- Providing stipends or financial incentives to women attending literacy programs.
- Offsetting the opportunity costs associated with attending classes.
- Improve Sanitation Facilities:
- Implementing regular maintenance schedules for school sanitation facilities.
- Ensuring they remain clean, functional, and conducive to girls’ education.
Conclusion
Fostering an inclusive educational environment requires a multifaceted approach. While promoting equal opportunities for all students, we must also recognize and address the unique needs of different groups. Balancing universal support with targeted interventions ensures that no student is left behind. By leveraging technology, community engagement, and economic incentives, we can create a more equitable educational landscape. Moreover, sustained efforts to improve sanitation facilities and challenge gender norms will contribute to a holistic and empowering educational experience for every learner. Let us continue to champion education as a fundamental right, embracing diversity and promoting excellence for all.
Source: The Hindu
Related PYQ
Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment. [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Mains]
Practice Question
Examine the existing challenges in India’s education system, emphasizing gender parity and accessibility. [150 words]