UNESCO estimated 776 million adults world wide are without literacy skills, and two third of this are women.
These figures were released in Honiara yesterday during events to mark International Literacy Day.
Literacy Network Solomon Islands chairperson, Mary Haridi, said this year’s theme focused on the “power of women’s literacy”.
“Women are the most deprived group of people when it comes to having access to education because of cultural norms, values and beliefs,” Ms Haridi said.
She added it is very difficult for women to challenge traditional gender roles in today’s world when they cannot read or write.
However, she said there is evidence that adult literacy programs empower women to unlock their economic, social and political resources.
She urged those who gather at the Maranatha Hall in East Honiara to be reminded that literacy is the responsibility of everyone.
“Every parent, community, the government, donors, NGOs and civil society organisation has the responsibility to ensure that every child, boy or girl and adult has access to basic education and to adult literacy programs.
“We all need to fight against illiteracy because literacy is essential for economic, spiritual, social, culture and political development in the country,” she said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education Mylyn Kuve said literacy is a crucial skill for everyday living but most people take it for granted.
“When we consider the benefits of being literate and the fact that two third of the illiterate adult population in the world are women, we should appreciate the theme ‘the power of women’s literacy’’’, she said.
Ms Kuve added literacy is about empowering women.
She said women and literacy can have powerful effect, not only on individual women but also the family, community and the society as a whole.
By TRIXIE CARTER
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