It is a well known fact that girls do not have the same opportunities as boys do in education. This fact is an unfortunate reality, however one that differs based on country and region around the world. These educational differences do not just impact young womens’ formary years, but also their future. Educational differences systematically set up women to be below men in every aspect of life, including work, equality in marriage, and existing in society. Unicef, an global agency dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to children, states that, “barriers to girls’ education – like poverty, child marriage and gender-based violence – vary among countries and communities. Poor families often favor boys when investing in education.” In Afghanistan, girls are not allowed to be educated past the primary education level. Consequently, girls become multiple steps behind boys in their education. In other countries, it is not prohibited but very rare for girls to complete schooling. In Mali for instance, only 38% of girls finish primary school. Low percentages like this are mostly due to cultural and societal norms and expectations of young women and girls, such as young marriage leading to childbirth. These act as barriers for education, and prevent young women from attending school. 

However, it is not just other countries where education is not equal. Even within our own country, America, a country which is arguably one of the most advanced in gender equality in education, there are still occasional instances in which girls are not able to access a higher education due to responsibilities at home, or once again, societal and cultural norms. One thing that is important for Americans to realize however, is that education is available here, whereas in some places it is virtually impossible to attain a decent education that spans beyond primary school. Nonetheless, many American girls are discouraged from pursuing higher education, certain forms of learning, or are simply not able to. There is a massive gap in women in STEM in the US, with there being nearly 3 times as many men in the field as women. (From the American Association of University Women) This gap starts at a young age, beginning with how young girls are treated compared to boys at home and in school. While toys and books geared towards young boys are normally related to mechanics, vehicles and science, toys for girls are normally related to being a mother, caretaker, and princess, images that are representative of female gender roles. This contrast continues into education, in which boys are praised for being loud and commanding, leading them to gain confidence in their leadership skills, whereas girls are labeled bossy or obnoxious, often leading them into a life that suppresses their voice. Education is at the basis of society and adult life, and if girls and young women are denied the same quality education as their male counterparts, it sets them up for an unequal and disproportionate life, one spent below males in careers, home life, and society at large.