Our model begins with a focus on the foundational experiences of girls and young women, which may decisively and negatively impact their career trajectories and earning potential. Whilst education and training is an area where there have been global advances, significant gender-based deficiencies remain. In the developing world, significant obstacles to educational access are experienced by many children, especially girls. In contrast, in developed countries, girls and young women are failing in large numbers to train for traditionally male-dominated and lucrative careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematical fields. By focusing on outcomes, and accounting for the causal aspects of educational gender disparities – the role of families, schools, and the societal norms – policymakers may begin to craft more effective solutions for the challenges that remain.