India’s Education Challenges and Global Gender Gap in School Leadership

India’s Struggle with Learning Outcomes

India has made great progress in primary education enrollment. But the country still faces big challenges. These include ensuring good learning outcomes and strengthening school leadership. This is according to Unesco’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024-25, released recently.

A Global Issue: Few Women Leaders in Education

The report highlights a global concern: “Most teachers are women, but few lead.” This is a key message of the “Leadership in Education: Lead For Learning” section. The report shows that women are underrepresented in leadership positions. This is true at all levels of the education system, from schools to education ministries.

Key Findings of the Report

• Globally, women make up 57% of secondary school teachers.
• In most countries, the proportion of female principals is at least 20 percentage points lower than the share of female teachers.
• Gender-diverse leadership is linked to better learning outcomes and a more supportive school environment.
• In higher education, women make up 45% of faculty but hold only 30% of leadership roles in universities and colleges.

India’s Situation

India follows this global trend. Women make up most of the teaching workforce in primary schools. They account for over 60% of elementary teachers. However, their numbers drop sharply in leadership positions, especially at the secondary and tertiary levels.

Political Leadership in Education

The report also examines political leadership in the education sector. Between 2010 and 2023, only 27% of education ministers worldwide were women. This shows a significant gender gap in education leadership at the highest levels.

Conclusion

The Unesco report highlights critical issues in education. It shows that while progress has been made in enrollment, learning outcomes remain a challenge. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need for more women in leadership roles. This is crucial for creating a more inclusive and effective education system.