Gender Differences in Education, Skills and STEM Careers in Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract:

Achieving gender equality in education is not only a matter of social justice: it is a catalyst for economic growth and societal well-being. This OECD report explores gender disparities in education in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, drawing on data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) to reveal their economic and social implications. It provides an in-depth analysis of gender gaps in secondary school attainment, academic performance, career choices and skills acquisition, highlighting regional patterns and differences among LAC countries and comparing them to OECD countries. The report underscores the importance of addressing systemic barriers faced by women and girls. It offers policy recommendations to promote gender equity in education, skills, and the workforce, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, to unlock significant economic and social benefits and drive progress toward a more equitable and prosperous future for all.