Empowering women and girls through education

Abstract

Upon request by the FEMM committee, this study explores challenges and opportunities for the empowerment of women through education. Based on an analysis of existing research, the study shows how various factors like poverty, gender stereotypes and institutional cultures impact upon educational outcomes. Consequently, a more equitable distribution of educational resources, gender sensitive institutional cultures and practices, and challenging social norms and expectations of men and women are needed. Greater access to the labour market, better earnings, and personal empowerment will be the return. The challenge for policy makers is finding the right policy mix and the political will to address the complex factors that affect women’s and girls’ empowerment through education.