This is one of the sectoral guides that are part of the Gender Management System (GMS) resource kit, a series of publications presenting GMS. GMS is an innovative system developed by the Commonwealth Secretariat for gender mainstreaming. The system is a comprehensive network of structures, mechanisms and processes for bringing a gender perspective to bear on all government policies, plans, programmes and projects. The kit consists of a handbook which presents the GMS in detail; sectoral guides to gender mainstreaming in specific sectors; and resource documents to assist the user in gender analysis, monitoring, evaluation and other aspects of gender mainstreaming. Each sectoral guide also has a corresponding Quick Guide a short, userfriendly publication presenting the essential points. It is designed for policymakers, planners, field staff and other government personnel involved in gender mainstreaming, as well as for academic users, NGOs, the private sector and others who have a stake in advancing gender equality and equity.



This guide provides an overview of gender issues in the educational sector, including global and Commonwealth mandates for promoting gender equality and equity, and is intended especially for the formal education sector (primary, secondary and tertiary education) of Ministries of Education. It examines traditional indicators (such as literacy, enrolment, access to education and attainment) as well as other areas such as legal and administrative frameworks, the proportions of women in decisionmaking positions, resource allocation, curriculum development, and the organisation of schools and classrooms. It also examines how gender inequalities are perpetuated through the education system.