Literacy

Literacy and Gender Equality

Literacy is not only a human right and a key ingredient to personal and social development, but it’s also a potent driver of gender equality. Without basic education, girls and women are cut off from access to information and opportunities for personal development, potentially keeping them from fully participating in society and cementing traditional gender roles.

And while a lot of progress has been made in ensuring equal access to education for girls and boys, the literacy gender gap persists to this day. At the global level, the literacy rate for women aged 15 and older stood at 84 percent in 2020, compared to 90 percent for men of the same age. While that is a huge improvement compared to adult literacy rates of 59 percent (female) and 76 percent (male) in 1976, the 6-percent gap is still equal to 175 million women lacking a skill so essential that it’s considered a human right.

According to UNESCO data, the female adult literacy rates in low-income countries was 53 percent in 2020, compared to 69 percent for men. In some countries like Afghanistan, fewer than 3 in 10 women aged 15 and older know how to read and write – a deficit that could stand in the way of gender equality for decades.

Infographic: Closing the Literacy Gender Gap

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This chart shows the change in global adult literacy rates since 1976, by gender.

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URL to be used as reference link: https://www.statista.com/chart/30787/global-adult-literacy-rates/

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality

The article discusses the importance of literacy as a human right and its connection to gender equality. It highlights the literacy gender gap that still exists globally, emphasizing the impact on girls and women’s access to information and opportunities for personal development. Therefore, SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all, and SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, are directly connected to the issues discussed in the article.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
• Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

The article emphasizes the need to address the literacy gender gap, particularly in low-income countries where female adult literacy rates are significantly lower than male rates. Therefore, Target 4.6, which aims to achieve universal literacy for both youth and adults, is relevant to the article’s content. Additionally, Target 5.1, which focuses on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, is also applicable as it relates to the barriers faced by women in accessing education and literacy.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 4.6.1: Proportion of the population aged 15 years and above with basic literacy skills.
• Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce, and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.

The article mentions the literacy rates for women aged 15 and older, indicating the need to measure the proportion of the population with basic literacy skills. This aligns with Indicator 4.6.1, which measures the literacy skills of individuals aged 15 years and above. Additionally, the article highlights the gender disparities in literacy rates, implying the importance of legal frameworks to promote gender equality and non-discrimination. Therefore, Indicator 5.1.1, which assesses the existence of legal frameworks for promoting gender equality, is relevant to measuring progress towards the identified targets.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The table summarizes the identified SDGs, targets, and indicators based on the analysis of the article. It highlights the connection between the issues discussed in the article and the specific goals, targets, and indicators within the SDGs framework.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: statista.com

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