As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, the call for gender equality in education remains a crucial conversation. While strides have been made in increasing female enrollment, the journey toward true gender parity demands continuous effort—efforts that challenge societal norms, remove systemic barriers, and create an ecosystem where every learner, regardless of gender, thrives.

EducationWorld is proud to feature Dr. Seema Saini, a distinguished education leader and CEO of NL Dalmia Educational Society (NLDES), whose three decades in the education sector have been dedicated to building inclusive learning environments and shaping future-ready institutions.

Coming from a strong academic background, Dr. Saini believes that gender equality in education extends beyond access—it requires reshaping policies, attitudes, and opportunities to truly empower students.

Steps to Achieve Gender Parity in Education

According to Dr. Saini, achieving true equality in education requires a holistic, action-driven approach that goes beyond policy and transforms mindsets:

1 Ensuring Equal Access to Education – While enrollment rates for girls have improved, disparities persist in higher education and professional courses. Expanding scholarships, building schools in underserved areas, and offering financial incentives can help bridge this gap.

2️ Challenging Gender Stereotypes – Traditional biases often push boys toward STEM fields and girls toward humanities. Schools must actively encourage interest-based learning, ensuring students are free to pursue careers based on passion rather than outdated norms.

3️ Creating Safe Learning Environments – Gender-based violence, discrimination, and harassment remain significant barriers to girls’ education. Schools need to enforce zero-tolerance policies, provide mental health support, and implement safety measures that foster a secure learning space.

4️ Empowering Educators as Role Models – Representation matters. Having women in leadership roles—whether as teachers, principals, or policymakers—encourages young girls to envision themselves in positions of influence and leadership.

5️ Building Emotional Strength & Confidence – Education should not only focus on academics but also nurture resilience, self-esteem, and leadership skills in students. Confident learners, irrespective of gender, are more likely to overcome societal challenges and break barriers.

6️ Shifting Societal Perceptions – In many communities, girls’ education is still undervalued. Schools must work with parents, communities, and industry leaders to change these perceptions and emphasize the long-term economic and social benefits of educating girls.

7️ Strengthening Policy Implementation – While laws exist to promote gender equality in education, effective enforcement, monitoring, and accountability remain a challenge. Policymakers must ensure that these frameworks translate into real, measurable progress at the grassroots level.

8️ Recognizing Education as an Investment – Investing in girls’ education is not just about individual success—it has far-reaching effects on society. Educated women contribute to stronger economies, healthier communities, and more progressive societies.

According to Dr. Saini, “Gender parity in education is not just about equal numbers; it is about equal opportunities, aspirations, and the ability to dream without limitations. When we empower young minds, we empower the future.”

About Dr. Seema Saini

With over 33 years of experience in the education sector, Dr. Seema Saini has been a pioneer in fostering inclusive, high-quality education. As the CEO of NL Dalmia Educational Society (NLDES), she oversees a network of prestigious institutions, driving global best practices, student-centric policies, and innovative learning models.

She holds a PhD from Mumbai University, a Master’s degree in Economics, and a Master’s in Human Resource Development from Xavier University, USA. She has also earned professional certifications from Harvard Business School, ISB Hyderabad, and IIM Ahmedabad, shaping her expertise in strategic leadership and educational excellence.

Beyond her institutional leadership, Dr. Saini is an Independent Director at a Public Limited Company, a member of the National Advisory Council of the SME Chamber of India, and a panel inspector for the Council of Indian Certificate School Exams. Her contributions to education have transformed learning experiences for thousands of students, making a lasting impact on the future of education in India.

Also read: Eduleader Speaks: Seema Saini, CEO, NL Dalmia Education Society