The United Nation's children's fund, UNICEF says although more children are going to school than ever before, millions of young people, especially girls, are still being denied a basic eduction.
In her final report before her terms as UNICEF executive director expires, Carol Bellamy said that given the fact the gender gap is shrinking worldwide, in many countries, particularly in the Middle East, South Asia and most parts of Africa, far fewer girls than boys go to school.
"We believe it is safe to say that the number of children who should be in school, but are not, may actually have dropped below 100 million for the first time. But the report also makes clear that the rate of progress is just simply too slow."