Transformations in Global Education: Unveiling the Interconnection between Literacy, Employability and Gender Equity

Abstract

This   article addresses transformations in global education, with a particular focus on the interconnection between literacy, employability and gender equity. Through a multidimensional analysis, we investigate schooling rates, literacy levels, and educational effectiveness in various regions, highlighting how these factors relate to socioeconomic development and social equity. Our study is based on the World Educational Data dataset, providing an overview of the global education situation and its implications for socio-economic progress and equality. The findings reveal significant variations in the accessibility and quality of education, underscoring the influence of economic, social and cultural factors. We identified a 'Threshold Effect' in female literacy, suggesting that higher levels of female education can catalyze improvements in employability and contribute to economic diversification. In addition, we highlight the existence of a 'Skills Gap' and an 'Expectations Effect', where education raises job aspirations without necessarily guaranteeing employment, especially for young women. The study emphasizes the need for integrated education and employment policies that not only improve female literacy but also ensure that education is relevant to today's labor market. We argue that quality education is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting a more equitable and prosperous society. This analysis contributes to the existing body of scholarship by providing a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape global education and its impact on gender equity and socio-economic development. We suggest future directions for research and policy, highlighting the importance of addressing both structural barriers in education and disparities in employment.