Girls' education has been expanding all over the world, but not fast enough to ensure a basic education for the millions of girls still out of school. About two thirds of countries and territories reached gender parity in primary education by the target year of 2005, but in many other countries – especially in sub-Saharan Africa – girls are still disadvantaged.

There are important regional differences. The largest gender gaps at the primary level are in West and Central Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and South Asia.

Educated girls are likely to marry later and have fewer children, who in turn will be more likely to survive and be better nourished and educated. Educated girls are more productive at home and better paid in the workplace, and more able to participate in social, economic and political decision-making.