Women in Literacy Initiative

Women's Unique Challenge
ProLiteracy Worldwide began its Women In Literacy (WIL) initiative in 1991 in response to the particular needs of women. Women in every country of the world more often than men live in poverty, suffer from disease, and deal with daily discrimination in their homes and in their communities.

Cultural traditions and local laws often favor men, allowing them access to education, property, employment, health care, and participation in government that is denied to women. Yet women bear a disproportionate burden for the health and welfare of their families, maintaining their homes, and generating household income. They also are profoundly affected by the deterioration of the environment and domestic and social violence.

ProLiteracy's Women in Literacy initiative relies on giving women the literacy skills they need to understand and change their daily lives. When women take these steps, they seek out additional information and skills, beginning a cycle of learning and action that builds over time. Women create lasting individual and community change as they move through this process.

Women hold key leadership positions in more than 80 percent of Women in Literacy partner programs.