Literacy is not only a key part of personal and social development, but it’s also a powerful driver of gender equality.
Girls and women who can’t read or write are missing out on opportunities to learn and grow, which can keep them from being active members of society.
A lot of progress has been made in ensuring equal access to education for girls and boys, however the literacy gender gap still persists.
According to data from UNESCO, the female adult literacy rate in low-income countries was 53% in 2020, compared to 69% for men.
💬 In some countries like Afghanistan, fewer than 3 in 10 women aged 15 and older know how to read and write.
When we compare global figures, the literacy rate for women aged 15 and older stood at 84% in 2020, compared to 90% for men. In 1976, the rates were accordingly 59% (women) and 76% (men).
The chart, based on the UNESCO data, was visualized by Statista. It shows the change in global adult literacy rates since 1976, by gender. Click on it to enlarge.
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