Measuring the Impact of Reforms on Higher Education on Gender Equality

This study explores the impact of reforms in the higher education system of Uzbekistan on the gender gap in tertiary education attainment. The study is based on the ratio of female and male students attending higher education institutions and the number of higher education institutions by region over the past decade, and panel data methods. The results show that the introduction of state-supported student loans has played an important role in reducing the gender gap, while the opening of new universities has created more opportunities for male students. The impact of reforms differs across the regions of the country. Based on these results, we develop recommendations for ensuring gender equality in higher education. The findings of the study are useful for policymakers working on higher education in developing countries.