Forty seven contributors from around the world reflect on their experiences with critical topics of adult literacy practices; how to empower women through literacy and current research based practice, from Belize to Australia, Brazil to Germany, and USA to Turkey. From publisher description.

This unique volume of writings by educators in the field working with women's literacy reveals the many ways in which addressing women's empowerment through literacy continues to impact lives. Not only are teachers and learners in adult basic education (ABE), literacy and English language learning (ELL) classes affected, but also those who value and support women’s learning and equity, and education for social change. Revelations-- More than half of the 3.6 million students in adult basic/literacy education (ABE) programs across the U.S. are women (Sticht, 2001). Research outlines many barriers for women pursuing basic education and literacy, and recommends using woman-positive approaches (Sheared, 1994). However, there exists little research on how educational systems and policies, instructional materials, and pedagogical practices best support the literacy and educational achievement of women literacy learners. Writings and curriculum by individual educators outline and describe innovative activities/ programs focused specifically on the needs of women learners (Cuban & Hayes, 1996; Hayes & Flannery, 2000; Miller & Alexander, 2004; Young & Padilla, 1990). In recent years, educators have been developing innovative curriculum to address such issues as trauma and violence (e.g., Take on the Challenge), work-readiness (e.g. Ready for Work), or women's issues in general (Making Connection). New Directions-- Empowering Women through Literacy: Voices from Experience is the first comprehensive collection of writing from the field by everyday educators who experience the joys and challenges, creativity and barriers to acknowledge or integrate innovative solutions to support women's learning needs in adult basic education and literacy settings. Mirroring the power of community-based and grassroots organizations, this volume has had a remarkable history. It has emerged from five years of work by WE LEARN (Women Expanding Literacy Education Action Resource Network) to address the needs of literacy educators and students alike through the organization. The vibrant collective of the WE LEARN network provides consistent visibility for women’s literacy issues, creates connections among educators and activists, supports selfefficacy among learners, encourages new research relevant to women in ABE, and develops and distributes women-focused literacy materials and curriculum resources. It continues to be the only national U.S. organization directly addressing issues of adult women's literacy and the educational needs of women in ABE. We know you will enjoy this volume that provides an opportunity to hear from 47 contributors from around the world who reflect on their experiences with critical topics of adult literacy practices; how to empower women through literacy and current research based practice. From Belize to Australia, Brazil to Germany, and USA to Turkey, the voices of women engaged in empowerment are awaiting you through these pages. Literacy can change lives, how can we better reach those who desire this empowerment? Join us we explore the breadth of vision and knowledge captured within this groundbreaking volume. The Editors: Dr. Mev Miller and Dr. Kathleen P. King are co-editors of this volume within the Adult Education Series of Information Age Publishing. Mev Miller is the founder and director of WE LEARN, headquartered in Cranston, RI (www.litwomen.org). Kathy King is a professor of adult education at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education in New York City. They and 45 other contributors join together in this volume to celebrate the unheralded capacity of literacy’s empowerment in women’s lives.

Women’s lives are often written on our bodies. Yet very little is made of the impacts of embodiment for women in literacy education, both learners and professionals. This volume presents the writings of 26 contributors—teachers, students, and administrators—who examine the rich terrain of personal and professional experiences related to whole person engagement in learning and teaching. These writings provide a compass to guide readers through the bodily landscapes, mindful flights, willful spirits, and emotional embraces. Written with the same desire to open minds, hearts and practices to new understanding, this book builds on the successful style of Empowering Women through Literacy (2009). This new volume appeals to all readers, as the essays, poems, and investigations woven through its pages challenge us to consider the embodyment of women’s learning. Join us on the journey as we travel across many arenas and discover significant ways to comprehend and support best practices in teaching and learning, especially for women.

The third in UIL's current series of policy briefs, titled "Gender equality matters: Empowering women through literacy programmes," offers research-informed analysis and action-oriented recommendations for local and national governments, providers of literacy programmes and educators on how to reduce the gender gap in adult literacy. This document describes measures taken in different countries to reduce gender disparities in literacy and presents best-practice examples of literacy programmes that respond to the challenges women face in accessing learning opportunities. It is based on experiences shared by delegates from twelve countries at the International Conference on Achieving Literacy for All in New Delhi in July 2013 and on a research study on women's literacy and empowerment which was presented for discussion to the participants of the aforementioned conference and recently published by UIL. One of the main conclusions of this policy brief is that while literacy alone does not empower women to create and participate in change, as part of policies and programmes that promote equality in all aspects of life, it plays a vital role in changing the lives of millions of women who have received little formal education.

Women and men are equal in every human concern in this world. They are equally competing in almost all spheres of work and power and are equally achieving the set goals. Culture, economy and polity may be barriers to women in certain parts of the globe, still women and marching ahead with great conviction and confidence to keep themselves on par with their counterparts in every affair. This Book will be very much useful to the policy makers, planners, researchers, educationists and activists. Women and men are the inseparable units of this universe. Long live the affectionate bond between the two.

This book presents a new perspective on the assumed links between women's literacy and development and explores current innovative approaches to research and policy around women's literacy.