Women’s Impact on Education: Shaping the Future

08, March 2025

Women’s Impact on Education: Shaping the Future

08, March 2025

“When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous” – Michelle Obama

Education has always been a driving force for societal progress, and women have played an essential role in shaping its landscape. From nurturing young minds to leading institutions, female educators contribute significantly to individual and community development, fostering economic growth, social advancement, and political stability.

Women in education today -

Globally, women comprise approximately 67% of teachers from pre-primary to secondary education. ¹

In India -

Female teachers now make up 53.3% of the school teaching workforce, the highest proportion ever recorded. ²

In states like Kerala, women comprise 78% of government school teachers. ²

Women constitute 43% of higher education faculty, while men hold the majority at 57%. ²

The gross enrolment ratio in higher education is higher for women at 28.5%, compared to 26.7% for men. ³

Women as educators –

Inspiring the next generation and improving learning outcomes - Female educators inspire young girls, boosting school attendance and retention, especially in culturally restrictive regions. They create safe, supportive environments that foster learning and growth. Research shows that schools with female leaders often have better learning outcomes.

For instance, In Francophone Africa, students in schools led by women demonstrated stronger performance in mathematics and reading. ⁴

Advancing gender equality - Women in education advocate for girls’ rights, challenging practices like early marriage and gender-based discrimination. Female educators empower girls to complete their studies.

Fostering inclusive communities - Women educators extend their impact beyond classrooms, actively engaging with communities to promote education. In rural areas, they advocate for girls' schooling, encouraging parents to prioritise education. Their efforts at the grassroots level play a vital role in fostering inclusivity and expanding access to learning opportunities.

Case study - In Nigeria's Borno and Yobe states, Plan International trained female teachers to engage in community outreach, boosting girls' enrollment and strengthening community support for their education. These teachers served as role models, inspiring families to send their daughters to school while ensuring a safer learning environment. ⁴

Women as leaders in education –

Research highlights the benefits of female leadership in education. Schools led by women often emphasise collaboration, professional development, and inclusive policies. Female principals are also more likely to address gender-based issues, improving both student outcomes and working conditions for educators.

Women are making strides as leaders in education, though they continue to encounter substantial barriers to advancement. Some of these barriers include lack of mentorship, societal norms, and challenges related to relocation or balancing work with family responsibilities.

Some of the other challenges include underrepresentation where although women comprise a large share of educators, they are still underrepresented in leadership roles, with only 28-30% of international school heads being female. Women make up only 43% of tertiary-level educators worldwide, limiting their influence on policy and curriculum development. ⁵

Workplace bias is another challenge where more than 80% of women in educational leadership face bias, often leading them to consider leaving their roles. ⁶

Advancing Women in Education

To unlock the full potential of women in education, systemic reforms are essential:

Expanding leadership roles – Transparent hiring, mentorship, and supportive policies can bridge the gender gap in leadership.

Flexible skill development – Professional training should offer virtual options and adaptable schedules to meet women's needs.

Strengthening community support – Raising awareness can challenge cultural barriers and promote the value of women's education.

Driving global change – Partnerships between governments, NGOs, and institutions can accelerate progress toward gender equality in education.

Here are some organisations that promote women leaders in education

UN Women: Promotes gender equality and empowers women in leadership across various sectors, including education. ⁷

Harvard Women Leaders Program: Supports rising and senior women leaders in advancing to leadership roles and fostering inclusive environments. ⁸

Vital Voices: Invests in women leaders worldwide through training and mentorship to drive social change and economic empowerment. ⁹

WomenLeaders India Fellowship: Empowers women in the social sector with leadership development, mentorship, and industry exposure. ⁹

Lean In: Helps women achieve leadership ambitions and create inclusive workplaces, including the education sector. ¹⁰

UNITAR Women’s Leadership Programme: Equips women with leadership skills applicable across sectors, including education. ¹¹

Organisations like Women Leading Ed push for policy reforms to ensure equitable hiring and support for women in leadership. ¹²

In essence

Expanding female leadership in education creates a more diverse and inclusive environment, reflecting the student body and workforce. Women do more than teach—they shape futures and drive progress. Removing leadership barriers is crucial for gender equality. By empowering women at all levels, we build a more equitable, prosperous society where nations thrive. Their impact is transformative, fostering future generations and empowering communities for lasting development.

Disclaimer

The blog is curated by referring to various credible sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of QS I-GAUGE. The information provided is for general informational purposes only, readers are advised to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions.