What happens to society when women receive education?

The issues of gender equality in education are still important today, despite the progress that women in the world have been able to achieve. Unfortunately, even in the 21st century, girls are still less likely to go to school to learn how to read and write.

Some statistics

Only 40 per cent of all countries provide girls with equal access to education, and women account for two-thirds of the 774 million illiterate adults in the world, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. For the most part, this disparity is concentrated in more than 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, where less than half of women can read.

Perhaps it seems ridiculous that one has to convince someone of the advantages of getting a decent education for half of the world's population, but this becomes more and more clear when you understand that the issues of women's education are inextricably intertwined with a number of major problems.

In fact, the issues of women's education affect everyone, regardless of the country of residence. Numerous studies have shown that gender equality in education has far-reaching social and economic benefits, as well as ensuring the rights and equal opportunities of people.

Family and Children

One study showed that the education of women reduces the likelihood of death of children. Scientists say that every additional year of mother's education reduces the probability of child mortality by 5-10 percent, depending on the country.

Another study found that a child born to a mother who can read has a 50 percent greater chance of surviving to 5 years of age. In addition, educated women are less likely to get married early, and they are more likely to be able to create healthy families. In turn, these women are more likely to send their children to school.

Link to AIDS prevention

Prevention of HIV infections and AIDS has also been massively helped by universal access to basic education. The 2014 UNAIDS report discusses how the educational level of women is linked to great success in implementing the HIV prevention strategy.

"A study in 32 countries showed that women with post-primary education have five times more knowledge about HIV than illiterate people. At the same time, illiterate women are four times more likely to believe that it is not possible to prevent the spread of HIV, "the report says.

Advantages for the economy

However, girls' access to education has advantages not only in public health. According to experts, the economy of some countries loses more than $ 1 billion a year only because society does not raise girls at the same level as boys.

It is worth mentioning the many remarkable achievements of individual women in science, technology, art, culture, etc., which became possible only because of their access to education. Simply put, gender equality can significantly improve our world.