The bar chart compares the proportion of female school-leavers pursuing higher education in five countries in 1980 and 2015.
Overall, the data reveal a clear upward trend across all nations, with the most remarkable surges in the UK and South Korea. By 2015, most countries had converged at levels close to or exceeding half of all female graduates, whereas in 1980 participation varied far more widely.
In 1980, Australia led with just over 50%, while the USA and France followed at slightly below this figure. The UK recorded a relatively modest rate of under 40%, and South Korea remained the lowest, with fewer than one in five women continuing to tertiary education.
By 2015, however, striking changes had occurred. The UK experienced the steepest growth, rising by nearly 20 percentage points to above 55%. South Korea more than doubled its initial rate, reaching around 40%. France also advanced steadily, overtaking its 1980 counterparts at just above 50%. Meanwhile, both Australia and the USA plateaued at around 55%, despite their early lead.
In summary, while Australia was the frontrunner in 1980, by 2015 higher education participation among women had become broadly equalised across nations, highlighting a global shift towards gender inclusion.