Lifting Barriers project launched nationally to address boys’ disengagement from education

Education is a fundamental right, yet many children, especially boys, are increasingly disengaging from learning. Globally, 128 million boys are out of school, calling for urgent action. UNESCO, Equimundo, and the University of East Anglia have launched the Lifting Barriers: Educated Boys for Gender Equality initiative, supported by the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX), to address this growing issue.

UNESCO’s 2022 “Leave no child behind” report highlights how gender norms impact boys' desire to learn, as certain school activities clash with traditional ideas of masculinity. This disengagement not only limits boys' futures but also hinders progress toward gender equality. 

Launched nationally in August 2024, the project focuses on understanding how harmful and restrictive masculine norms affect boys’ education. Interventions are planned in Malawi, Cambodia, and Lesotho to address these norms. 

In Lesotho, where cultural practices contribute to boys dropping out, the project aligns with ongoing curriculum revisions. According to the Ministry of Education, this initiative comes at a crucial time as they seek to address boys’ higher dropout rates and repetition levels. 

In Cambodia, where boys' secondary school completion rates are declining, the project builds on the country’s Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Plan. Country officials emphasize its importance in promoting boys' education and achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to quality education and gender equality. 

In Malawi, boys face higher dropout rates due to repetition. The government acknowledges that while focus on girls' education is essential, boys were in the past unintentionally sidelined. The project aims to foster true gender equality in the education system. 

As the project evolves, lessons from these countries will help address boys' disengagement globally, creating more inclusive learning environments and advancing gender equality. 

Lifting barriers is supported by the Global Partnership for Education’s Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE-KIX), a joint endeavour with the International Development Research Centre, Canada.