There are gender gaps for schooling and learning. In terms of enrollment, girls lag. In terms of learning, girls outperform boys. At the same time, the returns to schooling are higher for women. The schooling gap — in terms of years of schooling completed — is decreasing over time.

• There are gender gaps for schooling and learning across the world; in terms of enrollment girls lag
• But in terms of learning outcomes girls outperform boys
• This is important because the returns to schooling are higher for women than for men:

 

• This is true globally, and for most countries and all regions:

• It is also true over time (Patrinos 2019):

The good news is that the schooling gap measured in years of schooling completed is decreasing – albeit slowly – over time. To experience the higher returns and to increase relative earnings the gap must close sooner.