Diversity Statistics -- March 2012

Women in Education

by Stephanie Lundberg

Education exists as one of the most important aspects in a person’s life—especially for women. Although a gender gap still exists in education throughout the world, efforts are being made to increase the number of women in school. It has been proven that women’s education is directly linked to economic development. Educated women invest in their children and contribute to the quality of life of the next generation more than uneducated women. Similarly, educated women are greater participants in the community and labor force and hold more influence in the household.

In comparison to many developing countries around the world, the United States has maintained high levels of women’s education for many years. This does not, however, mean that progress cannot be made.

The number of women in tertiary education in North America has grown significantly since 1990. For example, 20 years ago there were roughly 13,000 women enrolled in tertiary education, compared to about 12,000 men. As of 2007, the difference in the number of women versus men in tertiary education has grown. Roughly 19,500 women, and only 15,200 men attend some kind of tertiary education.

Despite women’s successes in education, the gender gap still persists in the United States. In terms of gender gap rankings, the United States falls in 17th place, behind Sweden, Canada, the United Kingdom, etc. As is mirrored by the statistics above, the United States has reached higher levels of educational equality and falls in 8th place in the ranking.

The gender gap in the United States in terms of economic participation is particularly noteworthy—the U.S. falls in 46th place. This is apparent in the constant struggle to end disparities in wages and job opportunities for women. Similarly, the United States is ranked at 42nd place for the health and well being gender gap.

The numbers go to show that despite the social and economic progress the United States has seen in the past century, the gender gap persists and efforts to increase gender equality must continue.

Sources:

Cheung, Paul. "The World's Women 2010 ." United Nations Publication . (2010): n. page. Print. <www.un.org>.

Lopez-Claros, Augusto , and Saadia Zahidi,. "Women’s Empowerment: Measuring the Global Gender Gap ." www.weforum.org . World Economic Forum , 2005. Web. 18 Feb 2012. <www.weforum.org >.