Afghan Women Have Highest Illiteracy Rate in Country

Afghanistan Ministry of Education says nearly 60 percent of Afghan people are illiterate that most of them are women.

UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), says 90 percent of Afghan women in rural areas are illiterate and besides 60 percent of males cannot read, write and count.

“Despite the positive and truly admirable strides made in education in Afghanistan throughout the past decade, adult literacy education has been one of the most neglected areas of intervention in the country. At least 11 million Afghans above the age of 15 suffering from low levels of reading, writing skills and numeracy skills. Stark variations in the gender parody in literacy are evident across the country. According to the national literacy action plan, the estimated national adulated literacy rates, for those about 15 years is 34 percent with 18 percent for women and 15 percent for men,” said Ms. Patricia McPhillips, Director and Representative at the UNESCO Office in Kabul.

Afghanistan ministry of education also said that only 40 percent of people are literate in Afghanistan.

“Afghan women have the highest rate in illiteracy and more than 60 percent of Afghan people are illiterate,” said Asadullah Hanif Balkhi, minister of education.

Rullah Ghani, Afghanistan’s first lady also said, “Our daughters who are the future mothers should be educated and learn.”

Afghan women, especially in rural areas are denied of education and are not allowed to become illiterate.

Reported by Farahnaz Frotan

Edited by Zack Arya