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Writer's pictureManushya Foundation
Sep 7, 2023

International Literacy Day: Paving the Way to an Intersectional, Inclusive World šŸŒ



Today marks International Literacy Day! šŸŽ‰šŸ’«


In a world where technology shapes our daily lives, access to digital skills is a gateway to power and opportunities. However, disparities still exist, disproportionately affecting women and marginalized groups.


But fear not! We're here to champion change, inclusivity, and knowledge-sharing. šŸ†



Why is this day so important?

āœØšŸ“ššŸ“ Every year since 1967, the 8th of September has been designated as International Literacy Day where around the world emphasizes the significance of literacy, not just in reading and writing, but also in recognizing literacy as a fundamental human right and a matter of dignity where everyone has the opportunity to read, write, and flourish!


šŸš€In recent times, our world has been spinning with change, and unfortunately, numerous individuals in marginalized communities are still finding it hard to access education and grasp those fundamental reading and writing skills. This distressing reality has led to the deepening of global inequalities and impacting millions! Approximately 763 million adults and young people, with two-thirds being women, still grapple with illiteracy. This unequal access to education keeps this gender gap alive, impacting lives in various ways. šŸ“ššŸ’”


šŸŒLet's take a closer look at indigenous women in Asia, as an example. Amid the region's diversity, it is home to about two-thirds of the world's 370 million indigenous peoples. But here is the setback, women in these communities often face fewer educational opportunities than men. When you throw gender and ethnicity into the mix, the hurdles get even taller. Despite some progress and improvement, indigenous people, especially girls and women, still confront significant challenges. šŸ‘©šŸ»šŸŒ¾


šŸ’»šŸ“±āœØOn another front, things have been flipping around with technology's rise. More people are diving into social media and online realms. But there is a twist in the plot! šŸ”„šŸšØWhile technology opens doors to amazing learning opportunities and information, it requires basic reading and writing skills. So, those struggling with illiteracy and lacking digital skills face significant challenges in navigating this digital revolution.


šŸ“This dual challenge affects marginalized women, including indigenous, elderly, rural, and disabled individuals. They all face substantial barriers in the digital age due to illiteracy. In the least developed countries, mobile broadband impressively covers 76% of the population, yet only 25% are connected. What's surprising is that men are 52% more likely to be online. To bridge these accessibility gaps and unlock the potential for social and economic inclusion, it takes more than just improving digital infrastructure. It involves addressing other critical factors like literacy, affordability, accessibility, and providing digital skills training. All of this should be part of an inclusive approach to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to exercise their rights both offline and online. šŸŒŸ


āœŠIn today's rapidly changing world, where global challenges are on the rise, it's crucial to remember that many marginalized individuals not only grapple with illiteracy but also face significant barriers to accessing technology. This unfortunate reality widens existing inequalities and either concentrates power in the hands of a privileged few or utilizes it for building a safer and fairer future. To take a significant step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which focuses on education and lifelong learning, we shall acknowledge the importance of both traditional literacy and digital literacy. These are powerful tools for creating a more inclusive, just, and sustainable society! šŸ’Ŗ


āœŠAt Manushya Foundation, we are celebrating literacy as not just the ability to read and write, but also embarking on the incredible journey of digital literacy. It's a moment for reflection on how literacy, in all its forms, plays a pivotal role in shaping a world a better place. We firmly stand by the principles of intersectional feminism, where no one is left behind, and all individuals are equally deserving of universal access to knowledge in all its facets. If itā€™s not #intersectional, itā€™s not for all! We are all equally worthy of having basic access to all forms of knowledge. Join us in this celebration of knowledge and power! šŸ™ŒšŸ’«šŸ“ššŸŽ‰


#WeAreManushyan ā™¾ Equal Human Beings



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While youā€™re here, discover our pivotal work on democracy and digital rights, shaping our digital future. ā¤µļø





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