According to UNESCO's statistics, the number of illiterates in the world is verging on one million. A conservative estimate of the number of children who have no access to schooling brings that figure to more than one hundred million. School failure, brought about by overcrowding, poor facilities, unqualified teachers, and lack of materials only adds to the problem. The authors in this volume cover the many facets of the fight for literacy.

This book presents a new perspective on the assumed links between women's literacy and development and explores current innovative approaches to research and policy around women's literacy.