Timely and original, this book examines gender equality in schooling as an aspiration of global social justice. With nearly one billion people, having little or no schooling, and women and girls comprising nearly two-thirds of this total, this book analyses the historical, sociological, political and philosophical issues involved and examines actions taken by governments, Inter-Government Organisations, NGOs and women's groups since 1990 to combat this injustice. Written by a recognised expert in this field, the book is organised clearly into three parts: the first part provides a background to the history of the provision of schooling for girls worldwide since 1945 and locates the challenges of gender inequality in education; the second part examines different views as to why questions of gender and schooling should be addressed globally, contrasting arguments based on human capital theory, rights and capabilities; and the third part analyses how governments, Inter-Government Organisations and NGOs have put policy into practice. Addressing the urgent global challenges in gender and schooling, this book calls for a new connected approach in policy and practice. It will be essential reading for all those interested in education, along with developmental studies, sociology, politics and women's studies.