Making it happen: political will for gender equality in education

The central question in this brief paper is why do some countries succeed in promoting gender parity and equality in education while others do not? Whilst the answer is often due to political will, there is little understanding of why governments are unwilling or unable to change their policies and priorities to achieve equal access to education for girls and boys. This paper considers the concept of political will and explores the role that it plays in improving gender parity and equality in education.

The paper highlights the following facets of political will necessary to implement gender equality:

• commitment: visible and sustained commitment by elected leaders and administrators is crucial if positive changes in attitudes, policies, and programmes affecting gender equality in education are to take place, and if these changes are to be sustained
• leadership: leadership is required from a range of actors at central and local levels
• responsiveness: decision makers and education providers must be responsive to the needs, rights, and ambitions of women and girls; to the organisations and individuals acting as their advocates; and to the evidence that demonstrates the value and benefits of gender equality
• development partners: in many countries the strongest advocates of gender equality have been donors, rather than domestic stakeholders.

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