Gender disparities persist in education system: report

Islamabad:The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) Pakistan, revealed today (Friday) on International Women's Day, highlights a concerning gender gap in education, with 8 per cent of girls still out of schools compared to 6 per cent of boys. Former federal education minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, chief guest at the launch, emphasised the importance of addressing these issues.

Province-wise results underscored pronounced gender gaps in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with 14 per cent of both girls and boys in rural areas remaining outside the education system. While progress has been made in narrowing gender gaps in learning, challenges persist, especially in marginalised regions.

Despite adversities like COVID-19 and floods, rural enrolment for children aged 3-5 improved to 42 per cent in 2023, and 6-16 years increased to 88 percent reflecting a growing demand for education. However, overall learning trends dipped from 2021 to 2023, with a 3.9 per cent decrease in Urdu and a 5.1 per cent decrease in arithmetic for grade 5 students.

Positive regional trends include an 8.5 per cent improvement in Urdu (story level) in Gilgit-Baltistan and a 5% improvement in arithmetic (2-digit division) in Islamabad Capital Territory. Calls to action from girl students and transgender individuals at the launch emphasised the urgent need for decisive measures to support marginalised groups.

The Annual Status of Education Report Pakistan initiative, covering over 272,000 children,stresses the importance of addressing challenges in girls' education, out-of-school children, and learning gaps. The report serves as a vital tool for decision-makers to prioritise and implement effective strategies in improving the education landscape in Pakistan."