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CodeSE.PRM.TCHR.FE.ZS
Indicator NamePrimary education, teachers (% female)
Short definitionFemale teachers as a percentage of total primary education teachers includes full-time and part-time teachers.
Long definitionFemale teachers as a percentage of total primary education teachers includes full-time and part-time teachers.
SourceData API, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), uri: https://databrowser.uis.unesco.org/resources, note: The data are obtained through the UIS API. Detailed documentation is available at: https://api.uis.unesco.org/api/public/documentation/, publisher: UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), date accessed: 2025-09-22, date published: 2025-09
TopicEducation: Inputs
DatasetWDI
Unit of measure% of total primary education teachers
PeriodicityAnnual
Reference period1970-2023
Aggregation methodWeighted average
Statistical concept and methodologyMethodology: The share of female teachers in primary education is calculated by dividing the total number of female teachers at primary level of education by the total number of teachers at the same level, and multiplying by 100. Data on education are collected by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics from official responses to its annual education survey. All the data are mapped to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) to ensure the comparability of education programs at the international level. The current version was formally adopted by UNESCO Member States in 2011. The reference years reflect the school year for which the data are presented. In some countries the school year spans two calendar years (for example, from September 2010 to June 2011); in these cases the reference year refers to the year in which the school year ended (2011 in the example). Statistical concept(s): The share of female teachers shows the level of gender representation in the teaching force. A value of greater than 50% indicates more opportunities or preference for women to participate in teaching activities.
Development relevanceAlthough there have been advancements, girls in low-income countries continue to face significant barriers to accessing secondary education. The presence of female teachers is crucial in this context, as they act as role models, inspiring and motivating girls to pursue their education. These educators play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining girls in schools, challenging deep-seated gender stereotypes within communities, elevating parental expectations for their daughters, and contributing to the narrowing of the educational achievement gap between boys and girls.
Limitations and exceptionsThe indicator measures the level of gender representation in the teaching profession, rather than the effectiveness and quality of teaching.
License URLhttps://datacatalog.worldbank.org/public-licenses#cc-by
License TypeCC BY-4.0
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