This title was first published in 2003. Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest primary enrolments of any major region in the developing world and the number of children out of school is increasing at a faster rate here than anywhere else in the developing world. This timely study (in line with the Millennium Development Goals) examines the methods adopted by the international community to tackle the chronic problems of schooling and poverty in developing countries. Incorporating the results of research conducted at both macro and micro levels, using a range of methodologies, it examines the national differences in school enrolments, using a regional and international comparitive framework. Utilizing both cross-section and household survey data the book examines the causes of under-enrolment in a micro context, based on results from a major international research programme on gender and primary schooling in Africa. The challenges for international aid to provide resources and help secure reforms in support of the international development goals in education are also outlined. This book will appeal to researchers and teachers on African development, officials in international agencies working on education and development and Government officials in African education.

This title was first published in 2003. Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest primary enrolments of any major region in the developing world and the number of children out of school is increasing at a faster rate here than anywhere else in the developing world. This timely study (in line with the Millennium Development Goals) examines the methods adopted by the international community to tackle the chronic problems of schooling and poverty in developing countries. Incorporating the results of research conducted at both macro and micro levels, using a range of methodologies, it examines the national differences in school enrolments, using a regional and international comparitive framework. Utilizing both cross-section and household survey data the book examines the causes of under-enrolment in a micro context, based on results from a major international research programme on gender and primary schooling in Africa. The challenges for international aid to provide resources and help secure reforms in support of the international development goals in education are also outlined. This book will appeal to researchers and teachers on African development, officials in international agencies working on education and development and Government officials in African education.

Persuasive evidence demonstrates that gender equality in education is central to economic development. Despite more than two decades of accumulated knowledge and evidence of what works in improving gender equality, progress on the ground remains slow and uneven across countries. What is missing? Given that education is a critical path to accelerate progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of women, what is holding us back? These questions were discussed at the global symposium 'Education: A Critical Path to Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment', which was sponsored by the World Bank in October 2007. 'Girls' Education in the 21st Century' is based on background papers developed for the symposium. The book's chapters reflect the current state of knowledge on education from a gender perspective and highlight the importance of, and challenges to, female education, as well as the interdependence of education and development objectives. The last chapter presents five strategic directions for advancing gender equality in education and their implications for World Bank operations. 'Girls' Education in the 21st Century' will be of particular interest to researchers, educators, school administrators, and policy makers at the global, national, regional, and municipal levels.