Gender Equality in Education: Mapping Challenges, Innovations, and Unexplored Dimensions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/mw2025781Keywords:
Gender equality, Inclusive education, STEM, Intersectionality, Educational policyAbstract
Introduction: gender equality in education was recognized as a critical pillar of social development, encompassing equal access, equitable learning outcomes, and expanded opportunities. Despite the global commitment through Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5, systemic disparities persisted, particularly in low-income, rural, and conflict-affected regions. Cultural norms, curriculum biases, and structural inequalities continued to limit the participation of girls and underrepresented genders in education, especially in STEM fields. The COVID-19 pandemic further widened these gaps by intensifying barriers related to digital access, caregiving burdens, and school dropout.
Objective: this study aimed to map the challenges, innovations, and unexplored dimensions of gender equality in education by synthesizing peer-reviewed research published between 2020 and 2025. It sought to identify persistent barriers, examine effective interventions, and highlight emerging areas requiring further scholarly and policy attention.
Methods: a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted following the PRISMA framework. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and ScienceDirect. Inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing gender equality in formal education. Thematic analysis was applied to synthesize findings, which were grouped into persistent challenges, innovations and interventions, and emerging research areas.
Results: the review identified three themes: (1) persistent barriers such as entrenched gender norms, economic constraints, and STEM underrepresentation; (2) interventions including gender-sensitive teacher training, curriculum reform, and early childhood equity initiatives; and (3) emerging areas such as digital inclusion, climate-related educational risks, and intersectional inequities.
Conclusions: achieving gender equality in education required sustained, intersectional, and context-responsive approaches. Bridging policy, pedagogy, and practice was essential for building inclusive and transformative education systems.
References
1. Song J. Gender equality education in China: inadequacy and outlook. J Educ Humanit Soc Sci. 2023;12:235-40. https://doi.org/10.54097/ehss.v12i.7645
2. Karim D, Pattiruhu C, Chin J. The role of education in promoting gender equality in modern society. MSJ. 2024;2(4):94-102. https://doi.org/10.61942/msj.v2i4.254
3. Godara A. Gender equality in educational institutions. Int J Sci Res Arch. 2024;13(1):1849-57. https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2024.13.1.1801
4. Barathnivash V. Gender equality and education – a conceptual study. 2024:37-42. https://doi.org/10.58532/v3bbso20p2ch1
5. Qaisrani A, Ahmed A. Exploring new pathways to gender equality in education: does information and communication technology matter? Nust J Soc Sci Humanit. 2021;1(1):26-55. https://doi.org/10.51732/njssh.v1i1.2
6. Zeng Y. The positive effect of promoting gender equality in education on economic growth: from the perspective of gender dividend. 2023. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.18-11-2022.2326768
7. Adipat S, Chotikapanich R. Sustainable Development Goal 4: an education goal to achieve equitable quality education. Acad J Interdiscip Stud. 2022;11(6):174. https://doi.org/10.36941/ajis-2022-0159
8. ElMassah S, Biltagy M, Gamal D. Framing the role of higher education in sustainable development: a case study analysis. Int J Sustain High Educ. 2021;23(2):320-55. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijshe-05-2020-0164
9. Malik S, Khalid L, Nabi H. Sustainable Development Goal-4 with the perspective of public schools in Punjab. Mairaj. 2023;2(2):1-9. https://doi.org/10.58760/mairaj.v2i2.17
10. Eden L, Wagstaff M. Evidence-based policymaking and the wicked problem of SDG 5 gender equality. J Int Bus Policy. 2020;4(1):28-57. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-020-00054-w
11. Pan Q, Zhong J. On gender equality in junior high school English textbooks: a case study of the Chinese PEP eighth-grade textbooks. Int J Soc Sci Human Res. 2024;7(06). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v7-i06-06
12. Cojocaru Ș, Bunea O, Cojocaru D, Neculau C, Patrascu A. Gender equality. Conditions for ensuring gender equality in education. Quality in Education. 2023. https://doi.org/10.33788/qie.23.02
13. Esteves M. Gender equality in education: a challenge for policy makers. People Int J Soc Sci. 2020;4(2):893-905. https://doi.org/10.20319/pijss.2018.42.893905
14. Vyas-Doorgapersad S. Challenges to achieve the Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in South Africa. Int J Res Bus Soc Sci. 2023;12(6):257-66. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v12i6.2687
15. Mio C, Panfilo S, Blundo B. Sustainable development goals and the strategic role of business: a systematic literature review. Bus Strategy Environ. 2020;29(8):3220-8. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2568
16. Ali S, Appolloni A, Cavallaro F, D’Adamo I, Vaio A, Ferella F, et al. Development goals towards sustainability. Sustainability. 2023;15(12):9443. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129443
17. Fujii T. Impact of international remittances on schooling in the Philippines: does the relationship to the household head matter? Asian Econ J. 2015;29(3):265-84. https://doi.org/10.1111/asej.12058
18. Estudillo J, Quisumbing A, Otsuka K. Gender differences in land inheritance and schooling investments in the rural Philippines. Land Econ. 2001;77(1):130-43. https://doi.org/10.2307/3146985
19. Vizconde C. English language instruction in the Philippine basic education program. RELC J. 2006;37(2):260-73. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033688206067432
20. Albert J, Basillote L, Alinsunurin J, Vizmanos J, Muñoz M, Hernandez A. Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education for all: how does the Philippines fare and what needs to be done? 2023. https://doi.org/10.62986/dp2023.16
21. Baticulon R, Sy J, Alberto N, Baron M, Mabulay R, Rizada L, et al. Barriers to online learning in the time of COVID-19: a national survey of medical students in the Philippines. Med Sci Educ. 2021;31(2):615-26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-021-01231-z
22. Kilag O, Mag-aso J, Poloyapoy K, Gamboa A, Mantua A, Rivamonte W. Technical vocational education in the Philippines for sustainable development. EJHEAA. 2023;1(2):57-70. https://doi.org/10.61796/ejheaa.v1i2.102
23. Totoba B, György M. The role of modern education in historical move towards gender equality issue in Ethiopia. Gend Soc. 2024;2(2):32-51. https://doi.org/10.33422/sgsj.v2i2.843
24. Kollmayer M, Schultes M, Lüftenegger M, Finsterwald M, Spiel C, Schober B. REFLECT – a teacher training program to promote gender equality in schools. Front Educ. 2020;5:1-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2020.00136
25. Pandey V, Shekhar D. Gender neutrality of Indian laws – a myth or reality? EATP. 2024. https://doi.org/10.53555/kuey.v30i5.3419
26. Wang W. New concept and new practice of gender equality education at the background of digital society. SHS Web Conf. 2022;148:01017. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202214801017
27. Shang X. Gender inequality in China's education system. Commun Humanit Res. 2024;50(1):72-7. https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7064/50/20242417
28. Miralles-Cardona C, Chiner E, Moltó M. Educating prospective teachers for a sustainable gender equality practice: survey design and validation of a self-efficacy scale. Int J Sustain High Educ. 2021;23(2):379-403. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijshe-06-2020-0204
29. Guerrero M, Puerta L. Advancing gender equality in schools through inclusive physical education and teaching training: a systematic review. Societies. 2023;13(3):64. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13030064
30. Cin F, Karlıdağ-Dennis E, Temiz Z. Capabilities-based gender equality analysis of educational policy-making and reform in Turkey. Gend Educ. 2018;32(2):244-61. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540253.2018.1484429
31. Vélez M, Rentería A, Gastón A, Gurrutxaga I. Gender inequalities in university teaching practice: an innovative project at the University of the Basque Country. J High Educ Theory Pract. 2022;22(10):88-96. https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v22i10.5432
32. Zeng X. Promoting gender equality in early childhood education: lessons from the Nordic countries. World J Educ Res. 2023;10(2):63-72. https://doi.org/10.22158/wjer.v10n2p63
33. Sims K. Executive summary: education, girls’ education and climate change. K4D Helpdesk Report. 2021. https://doi.org/10.19088/k4d.2021.045
34. Li J, Yang M. Analysis of the educational environment in kindergartens for gender equality and preschoolers’ gender-role development. Creat Educ. 2022;13(12):3981-95. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2022.1312254
35. Qaisar M. Gender inequality in STEM education in Pakistan: a case study of female students. J High Educ Theory Pract. 2024;24(9). https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v24i9.7324
36. Kuteesa K, Akpuokwe C, Udeh C. Gender equity in education: addressing challenges and promoting opportunities for social empowerment. Int J Appl Res Soc Sci. 2024;6(4):631-41. https://doi.org/10.51594/ijarss.v6i4.1034
37. Ul-Haq J, Ashraf I, Cheema A, Hye Q, Visas H. The relationship between trade liberalization and gender disparity in education: evidence from Pakistan. Nurture. 2023;17(3):180-93. https://doi.org/10.55951/nurture.v17i3.291
38. Wan X. Optimizing resources to address STEM gender disparities in Western China. TSSEHR. 2023;3:131-41. https://doi.org/10.62051/96tez472
39. Wu Y. Education and gender equality: pathways to the realization of women’s rights. Commun Humanit Res. 2024;39(1):207-12. https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7064/39/20242181
40. Cosculluela C, Toledo S, Orús M, Ramón-Palomar J. Contextualizing gender issues and inclusive education: an analysis of the perceptions of primary education teachers. Teach Dev. 2022;26(2):189-205. https://doi.org/10.1080/13664530.2021.2009550
41. Bencivenga R, Drew E. Promoting gender equality and structural change in academia through gender equality plans: harmonising EU and national initiatives. Gend Z Geschlecht Kultur Gesellschaft. 2021;13(1):27-42. https://doi.org/10.3224/gender.v13i1.03
42. Kataeva Z, Durrani N, Rakhimzhanova A, Shakirova S. Higher education leadership agency in mainstreaming gender equality: insights from universities in Kazakhstan. Gend Work Organ. 2025;32(4):1470-81. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.13239
43. Sánchez D, Cal E, Quintana J, Borghi B. Gender equality and women’s empowerment in education. Front Educ. 2022;7:1-3. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.833977
44. Fuller S, Qian Y. Covid-19 and the gender gap in employment among parents of young children in Canada. Gend Soc. 2021;35(2):206-17. https://doi.org/10.1177/08912432211001287
45. Filho WL, Kovaleva M, Tsani S, Țîrcă D, Shiel C, Dinis M, et al. Promoting gender equality across the sustainable development goals. Environ Dev Sustain. 2022;25(12):14177-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-022-02656-1
46. UNESCO. When schools shut: gendered impacts of COVID-19 school closures. Paris: UNESCO; 2021. Available from: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000372961
47. Yen N, Hoang D. The right to education for ethnic minority women and girls in Vietnam. J Southeast Asian Hum Rights. 2022;6(2):250. https://doi.org/10.19184/jseahr.v6i2.28024
48. Huang T, Liu X. The flow of gender equality education practices in China and the media bias in the new era: from the perspective of sociology of knowledge. Adv Soc Sci Educ Humanit Res. 2021. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.211220.421.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Vanjoreeh A. Madale, Adelfa C. Silor, Angeline P. Dinoro, John Jr G. Adil, Monera A. Salic-Hairulla (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The article is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Unless otherwise stated, associated published material is distributed under the same licence.