Today: 9 May 2025
15 September 2022
2 mins read

Unicef: Girls worldwide lag behind boys in math

Published on Wednesday, the report finds that boys have up to 1.3 times the odds of obtaining mathematics skills than girls…reports Asian Lite News

Girls worldwide are lagging behind boys in mathematics, with sexism and gender stereotypes among the root causes, according to a new report published by the Unicef.

The report titled, ‘Solving the equation: Helping girls and boys learn mathematics’ features new data analyses covering more than 100 countries and territories.

Published on Wednesday, the report finds that boys have up to 1.3 times the odds of obtaining mathematics skills than girls.



Negative gender norms and stereotypes often held by teachers, parents, and peers regarding girls’ innate inability to understand mathematics are contributing to the disparity.

This also undermines girls’ self-confidence, setting them up for failure, the report notes.

An analysis of data from 34 low- and middle-income countries featured in the report shows that while girls lag behind boys, three-quarters of schoolchildren in class 4 are not obtaining foundational numeracy skills.

Data from 79 middle- and high-income countries show more than a third of 15-year-old schoolchildren have yet to achieve minimum proficiency in mathematics.

Household wealth is also a determining factor.

The report notes that schoolchildren from the richest households have 1.8 times the odds of acquiring numeracy skills by the time they reach fourth grade than children from the poorest households.

Children who attend early childhood education and care programmes have up to 2.8 times the odds of achieving minimum proficiency in mathematics by the age of 15 than those who do not.

The report also notes the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has likely further exacerbated children’s mathematics abilities.

In countries where girls are more likely to be out of school than boys, the overall disparities in mathematics proficiency are most likely even wider.

“Girls have an equal ability to learn mathematics as boys, what they lack is an equal opportunity to acquire these critical skills,” Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell was quoted as saying.

“We need to dispel the gender stereotypes and norms that hold girls back, and do more to help every child learn the foundational skills they need to succeed in school and in life.”

ALSO READ: Trump is back with new Hindi slogan

Previous Story

Israel closes West Bank check points

Next Story

Twilio lays off 11% of workforce

Latest from -Top News

Rajasthan Returns to Dubai

This year, the Rajasthan Tourism Board set up their stand at ATM Dubai stage 2025—its first appearance in 15+ years. Under the stewardship of Additional Director Mr. Anand Tripathi, Department of Tourism,

UAE, Uganda forge closer ties 

President of Uganda received H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed; both countries have deepened ties with strategic agreements in energy, investment and digital innovation  In a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at expanding bilateral

Macron backs Syria sanctions shift 

 Diplomatic outreach, sanctions, reconstruction, and sectarian unrest shape Syria’s complex new chapter.  In a landmark visit signalling Syria’s first re-engagement with a European capital in over a decade, French President Emmanuel Macron

Singapore lauds UAE field aid

A Singaporean delegation visited the UAE Floating Hospital in Al-Arish, where they toured its various departments and were briefed on the medical and humanitarian services provided to patients arriving from the Gaza

Leaders hail new Pope

The UAE President expressed hope that the pontiff’s tenure would advance global harmony, peace, and interfaith understanding President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has extended warm congratulations to Cardinal
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Biden to host King Abdullah to discuss Gaza

Accompanying King Abdullah II, Queen Rania will join the visit,

U.S. midterm polls give Biden a chance to course correct in Eurasia

The G20 Summit may show whether President Biden has finally