Coinciding with International Literacy Day (September 8), Mothers' Union are launching a new initiative, “Empower Her Literacy”. Its aim is to raise awareness of the critical issue of female illiteracy, which affects 480 million women globally.

The global Anglican movement is asking people join their campaign to put women’s education on the global agenda by adding their support.

Literacy is a fundamental human right for all. International Literacy Day has taken place since 1967, to highlight the importance of literacy to development, education and poverty reduction. UNESCO estimate that in 2022 at least one out of seven adults aged 15 and above (765 million) lack basic literacy skills.

In a statement issued this week, Mothers’ Union said: “In a world where technology and instant communication are everywhere, the fact that two thirds of the world’s 765 million illiterate adults are women is unacceptable. They face daily challenges, from reading a medicine packet or completing a job application to being unable to register the birth of their child. Illiteracy excludes them from essential aspects of life, making it difficult to navigate a rapidly evolving world.”

Mothers’ Union’s Empower Her Literacy campaign highlights the importance of providing educational opportunities to women who missed out on schooling due to various factors, including financial barriers, conflict, or just because they are girls. As they champion children's access to education as a fundamental human right, Mothers’ Union also believes that education for women of all ages must be prioritised.  

They believe that educating women not only transforms their lives but also has a ripple effect on families and communities. Women becoming literate helps break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, reduces child mortality, and empowers women to fully participate in society.

Mothers’ Union works hand in hand with many Anglican churches around the world on literacy schemes. Their literacy programmes empower women to transform their own and their families’ lives. Over 200,000 women worldwide have learnt to read and write through these programmes.

They can now write their names, manage household finances, start businesses, and engage in community leadership. Their newfound skills enable them to make informed decisions, contribute to social cohesion, and lead their families and communities toward a brighter future.

“I thank God for this literacy programme,” said Karungi, from the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I didn't know how to read and write. When I started this learning, I began to have peace. I can now write. I have joined savings groups. I can read a letter and know what is inside.”

Karungi has learnt how to grow a variety of nutritious vegetables which grow, and can be harvested, more quickly. She now earns enough to support her family, pays her children’s schools fees, and even saves. ‘I've learned all these techniques because of literacy. I know when to buy and know when to sell. This is development. I'm happy with this knowledge and want us to continue.”

Find out more about the campaign here: www.MothersUnion.org/EmpowerHer