Expanding access to education

Around the world, 132 million girls are out of school, including 34.3 million of primary school age, 30 million of lower-secondary school age, and 67.4 million of upper-secondary school age.

• 66% of countries have achieved gender parity in primary education, 45% of countries have achieved gender parity in lower secondary education and 25% in upper secondary education.

• Of the world’s 781 million illiterate adults, two-thirds of them are women.

• Gender-equitable education systems can contribute to reductions in school-related gender-based violence and harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation.

• An educated female population increases a country's productivity and fuels economic growth. Some countries lose more than US$1 billion a year by failing to educate girls to the same level as boys.

Reference: https://www.zonta.org/web/Causes/Expanding_Access_to_Education

Zonta has a dedicated history of supporting women in education: We have provided more than US$12.8 million to thousands of women around the world through the Amelia Earhart Fellowship, Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship, Women in Technology Scholarship and the Young Women in Public Affairs Award.

• The Amelia Earhart Fellowship expands opportunities for women pursuing advanced studies in the typically male-dominated fields of aerospace engineering and space sciences.

• The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship supports women pursuing undergraduate and master’s degrees in business management.

• The Women in Technology Scholarship encourages women to pursue education, career opportunities and leadership roles in technology and related fields.

• The Young Women in Public Affairs Award recognizes young women, ages 16-19, who demonstrate superior leadership skills and a commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.