THE IMPACT OF SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS AND EDUCATIONAL TRENDS ON GENDER GAPS IN EIE/NMT RESULTS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of gender differences in students’ academic achievement in Ukraine based on the results of the External Independent Evaluation (EIE) and the National Multi- Subject Test (NMT) over the period 2016–2025. The study is based on the generalization of statistical data and their comparative analysis, which makes it possible to identify stable trends and changes in the academic performance of learners of different genders. Particular attention is paid to the impact of socio-cultural factors, including the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the full-scale war in Ukraine, which 2have significantly transformed the educational environment, learning conditions, and access to quality education. The paper examines the role of gender stereotypes in shaping students’ educational trajectories, subject choices, levels of motivation, and learning activity. Differences in test results across various academic disciplines are analyzed, allowing for the identification of specific patterns of gender gaps in both humanities and STEM fields. Special attention is also given to the regional dimension of the study, particularly the influence of socioeconomic conditions, urbanization, and educational infrastructure on the level of academic achievement. The aim of the study is to determine the dynamics of gender gaps in educational outcomes, identify the key factors that drive them, and formulate scientifically grounded recommendations to reduce educational inequality and ensure equal access to quality education for all learners. The practical significance of the findings lies in their potential application in the development of educational policy, improvement of assessment systems, and implementation of gender-sensitive approaches in the educational process.