Extreme religious groups and political parties globally are waging a well-funded campaign to disrupt gender equality in education, according to a report by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI).

The report, 'Whose Hands on our Education', highlights conservative organizations' efforts to restrict girls' access to education, alter curriculums, and influence educational policies.

These tactics include eliminating sex education, reinforcing gender stereotypes, and rejecting gender-inclusive language.

Senior ODI research fellow, Ayesha Khan, noted that education is a critical enabler for gender equality and transformative opportunities.

Between 2013 and 2017, anti-gender equality groups received at least one dollar 3.7 billion in funding.

US-based Christian groups spent over one dollar 54 million from 2007 to 2020 in Africa to counter LGBTQ+ rights and sex education.

Significant funding also came from Russian oligarchs and political parties, targeting sexuality education and LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.

Notably, between 2016 and 2020, donors from Western countries funded anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives in Ghana.

The Taliban's exclusion of girls from education in Afghanistan exemplifies the direct political power enabling regressive policies.

The ODI report underscores the importance of understanding these coordinated efforts to combat the detrimental influence on education.