23/04/2026
Girls are once again falling behind in mathematics.
Today, more girls are in school than ever before. Yet they still do not have the same opportunities as boys to complete and benefit from the education they choose.
Released on Day, a new analysis highlights a widening gender gap in mathematics. The brief, “Girls losing ground: The widening gender gap in mathematics,” published by IEA Education in partnership with UNESCO, shows that boys outperformed girls in mathematics at the end of primary school in 8 out of 10 education systems in 2023, compared to 4 out of 10 in 2015. Similar trends are also emerging in lower secondary education.
These differences are shaped by multiple factors, including persistent stereotypes, teacher expectations and classroom dynamics.
is calling for earlier and more targeted action, from strengthening girls’ confidence in mathematics at a young age to supporting gender-transformative teacher education and challenging stereotypes in and beyond the classroom.
Learn more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/what-you-need-know-about-why-girls-are-losing-ground-mathematics
