The graphic illustrates global illiteracy rates from last year, categorized by gender and region. It clearly highlights significant discrepancies in literacy rates based on geographic location and sex.
What is particularly striking in the data is that the burden of illiteracy disproportionately impacts women, irrespective of their origin. In nearly every region worldwide, the number of women unable to read is considerably higher than the number of illiterate men; in East Asia and Oceania, as well as in developed countries, the disparity is even greater—women are twice as likely to be illiterate. The only exception is in Latin America and the Caribbean, where gender disparities in literacy rates are minimal.
The geographical distribution of education is also evident in this chart. Men, in general, are less likely to be illiterate than women. However, in certain regions, alarmingly large segments of the population lack literacy skills. This trend is particularly pronounced in South Asia, the Arab states, and Sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately half of all women and a third of men are illiterate. In East Asia, 20% of women and 10% of men are uneducated in reading and writing.
In stark contrast, developed countries have an exceedingly low proportion of illiterates, although the absolute number of illiterate women still surpasses that of men.
Overall, it is evident that substantial differences exist in educational access around the globe. Aside from Latin America and the Caribbean, the majority of illiterate individuals are women, highlighting a critical area for intervention.