Female teachers dominate India’s school teaching workforce, but their presence in higher education remains significantly lower. Data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) highlights this stark contrast. While school education has seen remarkable gender gains, private schools are the primary drivers of this trend.
Key points from the UDISE+ report:
- Dominance in school teaching: Women form a significant portion of teachers in primary and secondary education.
- Role of private schools: The rise in female teachers is much sharper in private institutions compared to government schools.
- Gender disparity in higher education: The teaching workforce in colleges and universities still struggles to achieve gender parity.
- Implications: The data underscores the need for policies promoting gender equity in higher education.
This report sheds light on the evolving dynamics of gender representation in India’s education sector and the pivotal role private schools play in empowering women educators.
For more insights, access the UDISE+ dashboard here: UDISE.
By addressing the disparity in higher education, India can ensure balanced growth and equal opportunities for female educators across all levels of learning.