The power of women's literacy

Abstract

This document seeks to present the winners of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes of 2010, with policies specifically designed for reducing women's illiteracy. Illiteracy keeps women marginalized and constitutes a foremost obstacle to reducing extreme poverty in a technology-driven world where reading, writing and numeracy are indispensable for enjoying basic rights and opportunities. For all these reasons, this year’s International Literacy Day puts the spotlight on the highly influential role that literacy plays in empowering women.