MikeLigalig.com

Top United Nations officials on Wednesday called for more funding and advocacy to improve literacy rates among the world's women, who comprise two out of every three adults who cannot read or write.

In a message marking International Literacy Day, which is observed on Wednesday, UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon stressed the transformative effect on both a family and the wider community when a woman is literate.

"Literate women are more likely to send their children, especially their girls, to school," he said. "By acquiring literacy, women become more economically self-reliant and more actively engaged in their country's social, political and cultural life. All evidence shows that investment in literacy for women yields high development dividends."

Sept. 8 was proclaimed the International Literacy Day by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Nov. 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. On the International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. Celebrations take place around the world.

Literacy is a cause for celebration since there are now close to four billion literate people in the world. However, literacy for all -- children, youth and adults -- is still an unaccomplished goal and an ever moving target.

The secretary-general urged governments, donors, non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and other groups to do more to make literacy accessible to women everywhere, particularly those living in vulnerable or isolated communities. - PNA

There is high illiteracy among women especially in moslem countries because there exist a culture where boys are placed in a pedestral and the girls stays in the kitchen or farm.

 
Countries with the lowest literacy rates for women:

India 65 per cent
Morocco 60 per cent
Pakistan 55 per cent
Mali 49 per cent
Benin 49 per cent
Yemen 47 per cent
Mozambique 46 per cent
Ethiopia 46 per cent
Guinea 42 per cent
Niger 35 per cent
Chad 31 per cent
Afghanistan 28 per cent

SOURCES: UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF

http://www.feministezine.com

I was not much encouraged to pursue my studies in my younger years  since my mother always told me that I will stay at home to be a homemaker.