Girls perform better academically in more gender-equal countries

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Benjamin Blevins
October 16th, 2024

The higher a nation’s gender equality rating the better its girls perform at school. Better educational outcomes raise communities out of poverty, boost economic potential, and improve health outcomes, writes Ben Blevins.

In African countries with higher levels of gender equality, girls are outperforming boys in the classroom. In nations like Mauritius and Botswana, where social gender equality is more advanced, girls are scoring higher than boys in both reading and mathematics—traditionally male-dominated subjects. And in HIV-AIDS awareness, critical for health education, girls in more gender-equal countries are also taking the lead.

It’s a fascinating topic with big implications. Gender equality isn’t just about fairness or human rights. It has a direct impact on educational outcomes. When boys and girls have more equal opportunities in society, girls thrive academically.

This trend is especially noticeable at the top academic levels. But what’s even more powerful is that gender equality seems to have the greatest benefit for students who are struggling the most with their test scores.

The data behind the story

A recent study examined the performance of more than 60,000 students, aged between 13 and 14 years on average, across 14 African countries using the Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality dataset. This, the third study in the series, ran from 2006 to 2011. These students were tested in reading, mathematics, and HIV-AIDS awareness. The researchers then compared their scores against their countries’ global gender equality rankings.

The results were clear. In countries with higher gender equality, girls performed significantly better. In Mauritius, for example, girls outscored boys across the board. In Botswana and South Africa, girls outperformed boys in mathematics. Even in Tanzania, where boys scored better in reading overall, the gap between the genders was much smaller.

What’s especially intriguing is that these gains aren’t just in reading and math. In countries where gender equality is stronger, girls are more knowledgeable about HIV-AIDS; information that could be lifesaving. This suggests that gender equality can positively affect not only academic success but also their well-being.

Equality in education


Gender equality in education matters because it levels the playing field. When girls are given the same opportunities and societal support as boys, they rise to the challenge.

The real game-changer is the impact on lower-performing students. In countries with lower gender equality, it’s the girls in the bottom quartile—the ones who are already struggling—who benefit the most from improvements in gender equality. Investing in gender-equal education can help lift those who need it the most, closing the achievement gap at every level.

Africa is home to a wide variety of education systems, cultures, and levels of development. While some countries like Botswana and Mauritius are making significant strides in gender equality and education, others still have a long way to go.

In countries with greater gender inequality, boys tend to outperform girls in most subjects. But even in these places, the gap is shrinking as gender equality improves.

Globally, we’ve seen girls overtake boys in terms of years spent in school, especially in high-income countries. Yet, in Africa, girls are still underrepresented in the classroom, particularly in higher education. Primary school enrolment for girls has improved across the continent but keeping them in school and ensuring they achieve at the same level as boys remains a challenge.

The power of policy and investment


The data sends a clear message: investing in gender equality pays off in better education returns for girls. Countries that have made gender equality a priority are seeing real results in the classroom. But this doesn’t happen overnight. It takes deliberate policies that break down barriers for girls, ensuring they have the same access to education as boys.

However, for many African countries, significant challenges remain. Despite government policies that promote free primary education, many families still struggle to afford the hidden costs of schooling, such as uniforms and supplies. In regions where child marriage or gender-based violence is prevalent, girls face even greater barriers to staying and learning in school.

Certain countries are leading the way. South Africa, for instance, has implemented free primary education and support programs like the School Nutrition Programme and Child Support Grant, which help keep children—especially girls—in school. Botswana has similarly made strides in creating gender-equal educational opportunities, and the results have been reflected in the classroom.

The path forward


Gender equality is essential for educational success. When girls are given the same opportunities as boys, they thrive academically, and this benefits everyone. But beyond the classroom, gender equality in education can lift entire communities out of poverty, spur economic growth, and improve health outcomes, particularly in regions hardest hit by diseases like HIV.

African countries have a unique opportunity to harness the power of education by investing in both boys and girls equally. By breaking down the barriers that hold girls back, governments can unlock the full potential of the next generation.

In short, gender equality in education is about more than just closing the gap between boys and girls. It’s about building a future where every child regardless of gender has the chance to succeed. In Africa, where the potential for growth is immense, that’s a future worth investing in.

Photo credit: Cornell University used with permission CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

About the author

Benjamin Blevins is a development economist with over 15 years of experience in education, food security, and sustainable development across Africa and Asia. He has worked with UNICEF, Africa Educational Trust, and Hiroshima University, leading data-driven projects and research. He holds a Ph.D. in Development Economics from Hiroshima University.