Looking back at 1975: A year for change
The United Nations declared 1975 the International Women’s Year, a milestone in the fight for gender equality. Feminist movements had been gaining momentum, and it was becoming impossible to ignore the discrimination women faced in education, workplaces, and daily life. That year also saw the first-ever UN World Conference on Women in Mexico City, kicking off the UN Decade for Women—a ten-year push for change. The goal? Better laws, stronger policies, and real progress toward gender equality.
But fifty years later, how much has actually changed?
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Breaking barriers in education
Education wasn’t an equal playing field in 1975. In Australia, only about one in three girls finished Year 12. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has jumped to over 83 percent. Globally, the picture has also improved—more girls are enrolling in school and completing their education than ever before. The Gender Parity Index (GPI), which measures how many girls are enrolled in primary school compared to boys, has risen from 0.82 in 1975 (meaning only 82 girls for every 100 boys) to 0.98 today. That’s a huge shift.
Even in higher education, women are making waves. Today, they actually outnumber men in many university programmes, earning 56 percent of all degrees worldwide. Policies that promote school retention rates, changing societal attitudes, and recognition of the economic benefits of education have all helped close the gap.
At the same time, more women are stepping into leadership roles in education. There are now more female principals, deans, and education ministers than ever before, reshaping schools and universities. Research shows that schools led by women often foster more inclusive environments, create stronger mentorship opportunities for female students, and prioritise equity and well-being.
But what about gender bias?
Despite this progress, gender bias in education hasn’t disappeared. Women are still underrepresented in the highest decision-making roles, often hitting the glass ceiling when trying to move up in academia or administration. Gender pay gaps, unequal career progression, and bias in hiring and promotion still hold women back.
Even in classrooms, textbooks and lesson plans still favour male-centred narratives. Women’s contributions—especially in science, technology, and leadership—are often missing or overshadowed. Shockingly, only one female scientist is mentioned in the Australian high school science curriculum. When young girls don’t see role models in their learning materials, it sends a clear message about whose achievements are valued.
Has progress been equal for all women?
While women’s rights have advanced, not all women have benefited equally. Indigenous, migrant, and LGBTQ+ women continue to face barriers in education. Many struggle with systemic discrimination, cultural exclusion, and fewer opportunities for leadership.
One way to address this is through decolonising education—incorporating Indigenous knowledge, diverse histories, and culturally responsive teaching into schools. But despite efforts, systemic inequalities persist, making it harder for marginalised women to thrive in education and beyond. True progress means tackling these overlapping challenges and ensuring all women have the support they need to succeed.
Gender-based violence in schools: The fight isn’t over
Over the past few years, there has been a growing awareness of sexual harassment in schools and universities. Policies and laws have been introduced to protect students and staff, but changing school cultures is just as important as changing rules.
Educators play a critical role in creating safe spaces, advocating for victims, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability. But it’s not just up to women—male educators and leaders need to step up too. By challenging sexist attitudes, modelling respectful behaviour, and supporting gender-inclusive education, men can play a huge role in breaking down harmful stereotypes.
Encouraging young boys to rethink traditional gender roles is key to preventing violence and inequality in the long run. Teaching boys empathy, emotional intelligence, and respect for all genders can help create safer, more equitable schools for everyone.
Where To From Here?
We’ve made huge strides in gender equality over the past fifty years, but there’s still a long way to go—especially for women facing multiple layers of discrimination.
Real change won’t come from just policies and conferences. It needs action—from educators, policymakers, institutions, and communities. It requires both top-down change and grassroots efforts, with people at every level pushing for equality.
If we’re serious about gender equity, we need to keep questioning outdated systems, keep challenging biases, and keep pushing for better representation, policies, and protections. With sustained effort, hopefully in another fifty years, we won’t have to ask, Has anything really changed?—because the answer will be obvious.
Educators and schools can play a major role in shaping the future of gender equality. Here are a few steps to take right now:
• Review textbooks and lesson plans for gender bias and include more diverse perspectives.
• Encourage leadership opportunities for female students and teachers.
• Talk openly about gender stereotypes and discrimination in the classroom.
• Support students experiencing gender-based violence or discrimination.
• Challenge outdated gender roles, and help young boys and girls see new possibilities.The next 50 years start now. Let’s make them count.
