WOMEN IN EDUCATION: A HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVE

Authors

  • Aliza Che Ahmad Fakulti Sains Kemanusiaan, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
  • Norhisham Mohamad Fakulti Sains Kemanusiaan, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)

Keywords:

women's education, gender equity, educational history, social justice

Abstract

Abstrak: This mini-review examines the historical and current evolution of women's education, focusing on a few significant theoretical approaches, context shifts, and long-standing difficulties. Historically, women's education was often governed by patriarchal standards or limited by institutional hurdles. Women's education progressed incrementally in the nineteenth century, and women were arguably integrated into higher education and professions in the twentieth century. We trace this evolution from early advocacy efforts to increase women's education to the present situation. Today, women's educational involvement appears to be expanding in many parts of the world; yet, access and participation in educational systems remains inequitable, notably for women in STEM disciplines, as leaders, and as members of marginalized populations. Using feminist education theories, discourses of gender equality and justice, and initiatives based on social justice frameworks, this review synthesizes the existing body of research on this topic to identify important gaps and future directions. Furthermore, consider the value of education as a potential vehicle for not only individual empowerment, but also wide organizational, contextual, and socioeconomic development. The assessment also looks at global and regional policy responses to promote gender equality in education. Despite significant improvements, systemic disparities rooted in culture, economics, and politics continue to limit education's full inclusion and influence. This study situates historical facts alongside developing trends to present a comprehensive overview of the historical shifts in women's roles in education, as well as the importance of continuing to focus on equity-based initiatives. The evaluation makes research and policy suggestions for inclusive, high-quality education for all women and girls in a variety of global situations.

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Published

2025-08-10