After Two Decades of Progress.. Girls Are Falling Behind in Math
April 23, 20261500 ViewsRead Time: 2 Minutes
Font Size
16
UNESCO revealed a troubling return to boys' superiority in mathematics, a phenomenon not recorded at this scale for nearly 30 years.
The study indicates that the gender gap has begun to widen again after a period of notable improvement.
International Data Shows Boys' Superiority in Most Countries
The results were based on TIMSS study data, which included dozens of countries.
In 2023, boys outperformed girls in 81% of countries at the primary level, compared to only 52% in 2019.
The Educational Gap Is Widening in Basic Math Skills
The decline was not limited to overall superiority, but also included basic skills.
The percentage of girls who did not reach the minimum standard in mathematics has significantly increased, while there has been almost complete reduction in boys' underperformance.
High School Reveals Greater Complexity in Educational Differences
In high school, the picture appears more complex, but the overall trend remains concerning.
The gap is less pronounced compared to primary education, but it is gradually expanding in the long term.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Is One of the Main Reasons for Girls' Declining Performance
UNESCO attributes this decline partially to the effects of COVID-19, which led to prolonged educational disruptions.
The pandemic also affected girls' self-confidence in mathematics, which reflected on their performance.
Proposed Solutions to Enhance Girls' Confidence and Reduce the Gap
International organizations call for early intervention starting from primary education.
Proposed solutions include boosting self-confidence, combating stereotypes, and training teachers to address gender disparities in education.
