Attainment, Elementary School Completion

The numbers of children overall and girls in particular enrolled in and completing elementary or primary education have increased since the 1960s, although progress has remained uneven between countries and regions and gender inequities remain. Poverty was the most significant determinant of nonattainment in elementary school completion, followed by rural residence. Gender and membership in socially excluded groups were lower but were still significant determinants. Governmental and nongovernmental organization (NGO)-sponsored programs, such as the School Fee Abolition Initiative, continue to reduce barriers to female elementary and primary school completion worldwide. Gender parity in education is a crucial component to the elimination of gender inequities beyond the classroom.

Elementary or primary school enrollment and completion have become key goals of many governments and NGOs worldwide. International statistics ...