We’re seeing an improvement among youth in terms of reading and writing skills and a steady reduction in gender gaps. 50 years ago, almost one quarter of youth lacked basic literacy skills compared to less than 10% in the last 3 years.

However, 750 million adults – two-thirds of whom are women – remain illiterate and gender disparity in youth literacy remains persistent in almost one in five countries.

The momentum of progress must be maintained and continuing efforts pursued in all countries to ensure that everyone, regardless of age and sex, acquires reading and writing skills.

Source: UNESCO 

[http://uis.unesco.org/sites/default/files/documents/fs45-literacy-rates-continue-rise-generation-to-next-en-2017\_0.pdf](http://uis.unesco.org/sites/default/files/documents/fs45-literacy-rates-continue-rise-generation-to-next-en-2017_0.pdf)