0.a. Goal

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

0.b. Target

Target 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations

0.c. Indicator

Indicator 4.5.1: Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples and conflict-affected, as data become available) for all education indicators on this list that can be disaggregated

0.d. Series

Not applicable

0.e. Metadata update

2022-03-31

0.g. International organisations(s) responsible for global monitoring

UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

1.a. Organisation

UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

2.a. Definition and concepts

Definition:

Parity indices require data for the specific groups of interest. They represent the ratio of the indicator value for one group to that of the other. Typically, the likely more disadvantaged group is placed in the numerator. A value of exactly 1 indicates parity between the two groups.

Concepts:

See metadata for relevant underlying indicator.

2.b. Unit of measure

Ratio. This indicator is expressed as the ratio of the value of the indicator for the likely more disadvantaged group to that of the likely more advantaged group.

2.c. Classifications

Not applicable

3.a. Data sources

The sources are the same as for the underlying indicators for this goal.

3.b. Data collection method

The same as the underlying indicator.

3.c. Data collection calendar

Depends on underlying indicator.

3.d. Data release calendar

Depends on underlying indicator.

3.e. Data providers

The same as the underlying indicator.

3.f. Data compilers

UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

3.g. Institutional mandate

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the statistical branch of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Institute produces internationally comparable data and methodologies in the fields of education, science, culture and communication for countries at all stages of development.

The Education 2030 Framework for Action §100 has clearly stated that: “In recognition of the importance of harmonization of monitoring and reporting, the UIS will remain the official source of cross-nationally comparable data on education. It will continue to produce international monitoring indicators based on its annual education survey and on other data sources that guarantee international comparability for more than 200 countries and territories. In addition to collecting data, the UIS will work with partners to develop new indicators, statistical approaches and monitoring tools to better assess progress across the targets related to UNESCO’s mandate, working in coordination with the SDG-Education 2030 SC”.

4.a. Rationale

To measure the general level of disparity between two sub-populations of interest with regard to a given indicator. The further from 1 the parity index lies, the greater the disparity between the two groups of interest.

4.b. Comment and limitations

The indicator is not symmetrical about 1 but a simple transformation can make it so (by inverting ratios that exceed 1 and subtracting them from 2). This will make interpretation easier.

4.c. Method of computation

The indicator value of the likely more disadvantaged group is divided by the indicator value of the other sub-population of interest.

D P I   =   l n d i d l n d i a

where:

DPI = the Dimension (Gender, Wealth, Location, etc.) Parity Index

Indi = the Education 2030 Indicator i for which an equity measure is needed.

d = the likely disadvantaged group (e.g. female, poorest, etc.)

a = the likely advantaged group (e.g. male, richest, etc.)

4.d. Validation

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics shares all indicator values and notes on methodology with National Statistical Offices, Ministries of Education, or other relevant agencies in individual countries for their review, feedback and validation before the publication of the data.

4.e. Adjustments

The same as the underlying indicator.

4.f. Treatment of missing values (i) at country level and (ii) at regional level

• At country level

The same as the underlying indicator.

• At regional and global levels

The same as the underlying indicator.

4.g. Regional aggregations

The same as the underlying indicator.

4.h. Methods and guidance available to countries for the compilation of the data at the national level

The UIS has elaborated guidance for the countries on the methodology that should be used to calculate this indicator.

4.i. Quality management

Quality management for this indicator is the same as quality management of the underlying indicators.

4.j. Quality assurance

Quality assurance for this indicator is the same as quality assurance of the underlying indicators.

4.k. Quality assessment

Quality assessment for this indicator is the same as quality assessment of the underlying indicators.

5. Data availability and disaggregation

Data availability:

Depends on underlying indicator.

Time series:

Depends on underlying indicator.

Disaggregation:

None because the parity indices directly compare two sub-populations of interest.

6. Comparability/deviation from international standards

Sources of discrepancies:

The same as the underlying indicator.

7. References and Documentation

URL:

http://www.uis.unesco.org

References:

See references for each underlying indicator.