In a groundbreaking development for gender parity in education, Zimbabwean girls outperformed boys in the November 2024 Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) Advanced Level examinations.
With a pass rate of 95.94%, girls surpassed boys and signalled a shift in academic trends and sparking discussions about the future of education in the country.
Coincidentally, this development was also reflected by Zimbabwe’s neighbour, South Africa, in the recently released 2024 matric results, with girls (49.2%) leading boys (46%) in earning bachelor passes.
Gender Shift in Zimbabwe Education?
The overall pass rate for the November 2024 exams was 94.58%, a slight decrease from the 94.60% recorded in 2023. Of the 33,585 candidates who sat for the exams, 33,246 took two or more subjects, with 31,443 achieving passing grades. Girls achieved a pass rate of 95.94%, while boys trailed at 92.05%. A total of 17,306 girls participated in the exams, compared to 16,092 boys.
These statistics mark a notable reversal from the previous year, where boys held a marginal lead with a pass rate of 93.95% compared to girls’ 93.32%.
Insights from the Ministry of Education
The primary and secondary education director of communications and advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, shared insights exclusively with The South African into this achievement. He attributed the success of girls to several factors, stating:
“There has been a concerted effort to promote girls’ education through various initiatives that encourage them to excel academically. Girls often benefit from nurturing educational environments that focus on collaboration and support.”
Ndoro highlighted the importance of female role models and evolving societal attitudes. He noted that the success of women in various fields, along with changing perceptions of gender roles, had inspired girls to approach their studies with greater determination.
Efforts to Bridge the Gap in Zimbabwe Education
While celebrating the success of girls, Ndoro acknowledged the potential unintended consequences of targeted programmes.
“We have implemented several educational programmes aimed at supporting girls’ education, such as scholarships, mentorship programmes, and awareness campaigns to combat gender stereotypes. However, it’s crucial to recognise that while these initiatives have significantly benefited girls, they may have inadvertently overlooked the needs of boys,” he said.
To address the performance gap, the ministry is exploring tailored initiatives for boys.
“We are actively working on mentorship programmes and academic support tailored to boys’ needs. Encouraging boys to engage in subjects where they are traditionally underrepresented can help balance performance across genders,” Ndoro explained.
He also emphasised the importance of community involvement, stating:
“Empowering parents and communities to support both boys and girls in their educational journeys is essential for creating a balanced approach.”
Long-Term Implications
The trend of girls outperforming boys raises critical questions about the future of Zimbabwe’s education system and workforce. Ndoro cautioned that a gender imbalance in educational achievement could result in disparities in workforce participation and economic productivity. He stressed the importance of the Ministry promoting an equitable educational environment to equip all students for future challenges.
A Commitment to Excellence
Despite the gender performance gap, the Ministry remains optimistic about the overall results. “The 95% pass rate at the Advanced Level reflects the hard work of both students and educators. While the marginally better performance of girls is commendable, it is essential that we continue to strive for an inclusive environment that supports all learners,” Ndoro said.
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