Gender equality and education
Every child has the right to a safe, formal, quality education and access to lifelong learning.
Inclusive, quality education
Every child and young person has the right to access safe, inclusive, quality education. However, 224 million children and youth across the world are out of school.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of children experiencing reading difficulties rose to 584 million – a jump of over 20% which has reversed over 20 years of education gains.
Children and girls in all their diversity, including those living with disabilities, those that are LGBTIQ+, indigenous, minority ethnic or racialised groups, children living in contexts of conflict and crisis, and children living in poor and remote areas are most often denied access to education.
This has far-reaching consequences on their futures and those of their families, communities and countries.
We promote free, equal access to quality education for all children – from early learning to secondary education. We work with children and young people, their families, communities, wider society and governments, and advocate at both local and international levels, so that all children are able to get an education.
Our global impact in education
Click on the graphics below to explore our global impact in education in 2024.
Our key areas of work in education
