This document discusses gender matters in education. It notes that while policies aim for equal treatment of girls and boys in education, equal treatment does not necessarily lead to equal outcomes due to gender-specific barriers both inside and outside of the education system. These barriers include a lack of facilities for girls, harassment, lack of female role models, and cultural practices and violence in wider society that negatively impact girls' access to education. True gender equality in education requires addressing inequalities both within education systems and in the societal context in which girls experience denial of rights in ways that undermine their education experiences.