Literacy status of disabled population in India 2011, by gender

In 2011, 12.2 million out of 26.8 million of people with disability in India were illiterate. Among illiterates in India, more women than men were reported to be illiterate, at respectively 6.56 million and 5.64 million of people.The general schooling system in India comprises of four levels namely, Primary (classes I – V), Middle or Upper Primary (Classes VI – VIII), Secondary (Classes IX – X), and Higher Secondary (XI – X). In India, the total number of illiterate women was higher than that of illiterate men. According to the 2009 Right to Education Act in India, children aged six to 14 years are entitled to free and compulsory education until upper primary level. However, as of 2011, less than one in every ten people with disability completed middle school.

Gender gap in education

Regarding reproductive health, empowerment and the labor market, India belongs to the least gender equal countries in the world. Gender disparity in India is also evident in the literacy gap. For instance, there are more men than women that have higher education levels . The same trend was also recorded among those with disability. Even though the Constitution of India grants women equality before the law and equal protection of the law, India still has a long way to go to achieve gender equality. Nevertheless, there is no question that women in India have overcome numerous barriers within the last few decades and continue to strive their way towards equality.