Abstract
This thesis discusses gender inequity across twelve diverse countries, including Niger, Haiti, the Central African Republic, India, Afghanistan, Ecuador, Guatemala, China, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Finland. The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of gender disparities by examining socio-cultural, economic, and political factors within various countries, emphasizing the importance of addressing gender disparities and promoting inclusivity globally. The thesis is organized into the following sections. First, a review of the literature provides context to the topic of gender inequity in education. This is followed by a discussion and overview of various sociological theories that contribute to our understanding of this subject matter. The third section explains the methodology designed to conduct the study. Subsequently, the results are presented, categorized by country. A thematic discussion of the findings follows to enhance our understanding of their importance. Finally, the thesis concludes with a discussion on the significance of the results and a call to action. The findings reveal varying degrees of gender inequity, with disparities evident in educational opportunities, workforce participation, political representation, and health outcomes. Common themes of gender inequity emerge across the countries, with socio-cultural barriers playing a significant role. Patriarchal attitudes, limited roles for women, and traditional views on gender roles contribute to early marriages, restricted autonomy, and gender-based violence. A call to action is presented to ensure that every girl and woman around the world has the opportunity and ability to reach their full academic potential.