UN Women Report: 15 Million Girls Still Out of School
A new UN Women report has raised a serious concern—systemic gender discrimination is still keeping millions of girls and young women from getting the education they deserve. The report estimates that around 15 million girls of primary school age worldwide are not in school.
On the surface, global figures show that enrollment rates for boys and girls in primary and secondary schools have come close to equality in recent decades. But a closer look tells a different story. In some regions, nearly half—48.1%—of all girls remain out of school. Compared to boys, the gap is clear: 15 million girls are missing out on primary education, versus 10 million boys.
The report highlights that more girls are now in school than ever before, and this progress matters. Every extra year a girl spends in education after primary level significantly reduces her risk of early marriage, improves her chances of finding decent work, and boosts her overall health and well-being.
Yet, many adolescent girls still face obstacles that push them out of school. Teenage pregnancies and the expectation to take on household duties are among the most common reasons why they leave secondary education behind.
“More girls are going to school today than in the past. They’re not just learning to read and write—continuing education beyond primary school helps delay early marriage and opens doors to better jobs, health, and life opportunities. Girls and women have the same right to quality education and learning at every stage of their lives,” the report emphasizes.
The findings make it clear: closing the gap isn’t just about getting girls into classrooms—it’s about ensuring they can stay, learn, and thrive.
