The pursuit of gender equality in education, skills development, and career opportunities underpins sustainable social and economic progress. This report contributes to the OECD’s efforts to promote inclusive growth and tackle gender disparities in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Using data from international assessments like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), the OECD highlights the importance of achieving gender equality as a driver of economic growth and societal well-being.
While the LAC region has made significant strides in participation rates for primary education, challenges persist in secondary education, where enrolment has improved since 1990 but stands at 79%, trailing the OECD average of 93%. Boys, in particular, face lower completion rates for upper secondary education compared to girls, with a 61.5% for boys compared with 68.7% for girls. A similar trend is also seen in tertiary education, over 60% of women in LAC are enrolled, compared to fewer than 50% of men.
Drawing from PISA 2022, the report finds that the gender gap in mathematics performance in LAC, with boys outperforming girls by 8 score points, is slightly smaller than the OECD average of 9 score points. However, there are stark disparities in boys’ and girls’ expectations to pursue STEM careers. Across OECD countries, only 16% of top-performing 15-year-old girls anticipate working in STEM professions, compared to 22% of boys. In most LAC countries, expectations are even lower, with only between 5 to 19% of girls aspiring to STEM-related fields, half the level of boys.
This report also examines the barriers to achieving gender equality in STEM education and careers in LAC, providing analyses of the disparities observed in the region. It proposes actionable strategies to address these challenges, fostering inclusive teaching methods, engaging parents to reshape perceptions, promoting female role models and mentoring, and expanding access to STEM career information. Workplace policies that support women’s retention in STEM, targeted scholarships and research grants, and cross-sectoral alliances to drive systemic change are also among the recommended initiatives.
Policymakers, educators, and stakeholders will find in this publication evidence-based insights and recommendations aimed at fostering gender equity, especially in STEM fields. This report aspires to inspire transformative actions that advance the economic and social progression of LAC countries. We trust that this publication will serve as a useful resource for all those committed to advancing gender equality in education and beyond.
Andreas Schaal,
OECD Director for Global Relations and Co-operation and OECD Sherpa to the G7, the G20 and APEC
Andreas Schleicher,
OECD Director for Education and Skills