Gender Disparities in Education: Structural Barriers and the Pursuit of Equality in Indonesia

Abstract

Gender disparities in education in Indonesia reflect persistent inequalities in access, participation, and academic achievement resulting from social, cultural, and economic factors. This article aims to analyze various academic studies to understand the root causes and manifestations of educational inequality based on gender perspectives. The literature review reveals that women continue to face significant challenges in pursuing higher education due to patriarchal culture, social role stereotypes, and the lack of gender-sensitive educational facilities. Female representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields remains limited, influenced by curricular bias and social pressures that define these disciplines as masculine. Meanwhile, educational policies designed to promote gender equality have not been fully effective, largely due to disparities in regional resources and institutional capacities. Therefore, strengthening gender equality in Indonesia’s education system requires a comprehensive approach that integrates curriculum reform, teacher capacity building, and transformative social paradigms that recognize and support women’s roles across all educational levels.