Target 4.1 addresses universal primary and secondary education completion as necessary milestones on the road to sustainable development. Moreover, it places a sharp focus on ensuring that learners acquire relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for lifelong learning. Target 4.1 explicitly calls for both girls and boys from all socio-economic backgrounds to receive a quality education to achieve learning outcomes (E2030 FFA, 2016). For countries to fulfill the target, they will need to analyze persistent and emerging barriers to participation and completion in primary and secondary education through a gender equality lens, and develop relevant policies and plans to ensure equitable learning outcomes for both girls and boys.
