Gender inequalities are a persistent feature of the education system in Council of Europe member states. Council of Europe standards and activities in this field aim to promote educational policies that contribute to gender-equal societies.

Gender stereotyping continues to permeate textbooks and classrooms, and to influence the behaviour and practices of school personnel in Europe, including in relation to the choices made by girls and boys regarding studies and careers. The objectives of the work of the Council of Europe in this area are to eradicate sex-based discrimination in the education system and to promote the integration of a gender equality perspective into all aspects of educational policies.