ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book identified some low-cost interventions that have been promoted in the region. It attempts to highlight the types of knowledge that are transmitted and acquired through women-led nongovernmental organizations. Public policies concerning gender equity in education are now beginning to emerge in Latin America. Since Latin America is dependent on international financing to meet the goals of educating a large segment of its population, the role of research to assess the models being promoted by international agencies and their impact on gender equity is of crucial importance. UNICEF, working in collaboration with governments in Latin America, has made an important first step by agreeing on universal indicators of educational access, completion, and repetition. A new effort needs to be started to provide an accurate portrait of middle-school completion rates for young men and women in the various countries of the region.
