Promoting Literacy

 

It is hard to believe that in 2026, there are still people who cannot read or write. In fact, at least 775 million people,one in five,are illiterate. Two-thirds of this population are women, and 60.7 million children are either out of school or attend irregularly. It is an undisputable fact that poverty is directly related to a lack of education. This is why in countries such as Afghanistan, the rate of illiteracy is very high; however, there is also a profound connection between illiteracy and gender-based violence.

Mothers are the pillars of the household. Their paramount role in the upbringing of children and future generations directly and indirectly affects a country’s future economically, socially, and politically.

In countries where the literacy rate among women is low, we often witness social crises such as child marriage and adolescent pregnancy. Moreover, women and girls with no education often suffer from a lack of self-esteem and the inability to make decisions for themselves. Without a proper education, women are limited to roles focused solely on domestic labor and childcare, without ever having a chance to engage with the wider world. Their illiteracy is more than just a barrier to progress; it leaves them defenseless against systemic misogyny and discrimination. Especially in patriarchal societies, these women are often viewed as "lower" or not knowledgeable enough to have a say in their own lives, let alone the affairs of their country. Their illiteracy is a hardship, but the resulting discrimination truly adds insult to injury.

In these societies, knowledge is power. It is the essential key to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and poor health. Through education, a girl learns the laws of her country and the true tenets of her religion; this knowledge grants her the self-esteem to say "no" to exploitation. Furthermore, she gains the literacy required to read a marriage contract, allowing her to claim her legal rights if she is too young to be wed.

The impact continues into motherhood. Statistically, a child born to a literate mother is 50% more likely to survive past the age of five, as the mother is better equipped to understand the vital importance of sanitation and immunization.

Moreover, an educated mother is far more likely to encourage her own children to pursue higher learning. This creates an enlightened generation capable of holding positions of power and influence. Ultimately, these informed citizens have the ability to guide their country toward a more stable and prosperous future. Conversely, people without any education are twice as likely to be unemployed, leading to a lack of productivity that slows economic growth.

“Individuals with a second-level education can expect to earn twice as much as their counterparts with no education at all,” remarks the World Literacy Foundation. We must empower women from all nations by providing better access to education, as this is the only way to break the cycle of poverty and gender discrimination.

This transformation will not happen overnight. It requires consistent financial and moral support. Fortunately, many foundations and programs are working tirelessly to make this vision a reality. In regions where women are supported by these organizations, we see them gaining the confidence and the basic entrepreneurial and financial skills they gain through literacy, to start small businesses. By supporting themselves and their families, they prove that an educated woman is a nation's greatest asset.