One in every six adults worldwide is illiterate. Most of the world’s illiterate are women, meaning that they are 15 or older and unable to read or write. Literate women add to their country’s development. This is accomplished through their participation in business, government and culture. Moreover, they are more likely to ensure that their children, especially the girls, attend school, guaranteeing a subsequent generation of literate women.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated, “Every literate woman marks a victory over poverty.” Literate women strengthen the development of their country by reducing mortality rates, increasing child and maternal health and ensuring ongoing literacy for girls.

Therefore, governments, donors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been encouraged to increase the funding and advocacy to improve literacy rates among the world’s women.

Africa is the only continent where most adults are not able to read or write. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the adult literacy rates are below 50 percent in Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. Due to gender inequality, the literacy rates in these countries are even lower for women.

Below are the literacy rates for the women in some of these countries:

• Benin: 30 percent are literate, 70 percent of women are illiterate

• Burkina Faso: 21 percent are literate, 79 percent of women are illiterate

• Chad: 25 percent are literate, 75 percent of women are illiterate

• Mali: 24 percent are literate, 76 percent of women are illiterate

With a poverty rate of 43 percent, Mali is one of the world’s poorest countries. Life expectancy is 54 years and girls’ education rate is only up to 7 years old. For these women and girls living in poverty, gaining an education is essential for survival. Through educating women and girls in Mali, HIV infection rates will decrease, incidents of human trafficking will diminish and women will marry and have children later in life. Women will also instill a value for education in their children and will gain more input in their family functioning.

Through increased funding and advocacy to educate the women of the world, global poverty will be diminished.

– Caressa Kruth

Sources: UN News Centre, UNICEF, UNESCO, CIA, The World Bank, World Education
Photo: The Blessing Basket