Library strategies for literacy improvement of women in the Asia Oceania Region

Library strategies for literacy improvement of women in the Asia Oceania Region

The cultural, economic, and social status in some areas of the Asia-Oceania region has led to poor literacy levels among the women community. Considerable gender gaps in literacy exist in these countries, especially among girls from low-budget families, rural communities and ethnic minorities, as well as those living in conflict zones. This paper discusses the obstacles to literacy achievement of women in the Asia-Oceania region, and presents the benefits that literacy offers. Section 2 presents an overview on the status of illiteracy in the Asia-Oceania region, and points to the gender gaps in literacy achievement. Section 3 discusses thoroughly the obstacles, while the benefits of literacy for women are highlighted in Section 4. Section 5 focuses on the role of libraries in improving literacy, and presents several strategies to be used in this context. These strategies include a broad range of ideas, such as policy-making trends; provision of high quality education; collection and analysis of disaggregated literacy data; development of locally-relevant and learner-oriented literacy programs, as well as educational materials and learning assessment tools; development of education in mother-tongue languages; acting as the jointing points of governments and civil society organizations; development of facilities to encourage women’s participation in literacy programs; development of society-based literacy environments; integration and effective implementation of literacy in plans; and finally, allocation of sufficient funds for women’s literacy programs.