UNESCO strategy for gender equality in and through education: Mid-Term Evaluation
16 December 2025
This report presents NFER’s findings from the mid-term evaluation of UNESCO’s Strategy for Gender Equality in and through Education (2019–2025). Covering activities between September 2019 and June 2023, the evaluation reviews the effectiveness and sustainability of the strategy, assesses progress and results, and offers recommendations for future action.
Background
Launched in 2019, the strategy aims to strengthen gender-transformative education systems and empower girls and women through education.
It focuses on three priorities:
- Better data to inform action
- Stronger legal, policy and planning frameworks to advance rights
- Improved teaching and learning practices to empower learners.
Key Findings
- The strategy is well aligned with UNESCO’s broader work, partner commitments, and national priorities. It provides valuable direction, especially in contexts with limited gender equality resources.
- The strategy strengthens coordination within UNESCO and across partners, fostering collaboration on cross-cutting issues such as health and education. Field Offices played a growing role in advancing work locally.
- There are clear signs of impact, with UNESCO supporting countries in setting benchmarks for Sustainable Development Goal 4, developing tools to measure school-related gender-based violence, and launching dashboards to track progress. Legal and policy frameworks were strengthened, while investments in STEM and teacher training promoted gender-responsive pedagogy.
- While awareness of the strategy was high, limited expertise, resources, and funding, particularly at Field Office level, were identified as challenges. Better communication and knowledge-sharing could enhance delivery.
- The strategy’s sustainability must be underpinned by political will and institutional commitment. Long-term capacity development and the decentralisation of tools and expertise are needed, alongside funding commitments to take the strategy into the next phase.
Conclusion
The evaluation confirms that UNESCO’s strategy is making meaningful progress toward gender equality in education. Continued investment, stronger communication, and sustained partnerships will be essential to ensure lasting impact for children and young people worldwide.