A noted pediatrician and child psychologist looks at the controversial question of biologically based gender differences, arguing that these variations are a biological reality and that they play a key role in the development of personality traits and intellectual and social skills. Reprint. 25,000 first printing.

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.

Gender-based violence undermines the core values of human rights on which the Council of Europe is based and to which its member states have subscribed Gender-based violence refers to any type of harm that is perpetrated against a person or group of people because of their actual or perceived sex, gender, sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Gender-based violence can be sexual, physical, verbal, psychological (emotional), or socio-economic and it can take many forms – from verbal violence and hate speech on the internet, to rape or murder. Statistics show that gender-based violence affects women disproportionately. Gender-based violence undermines the core values of human rights on which the Council of Europe is based and to which its member states have subscribed. It is a problem in all member states and affects millions of women and men, young people and children, regardless of their social status, cultural or religious background, sexual orientation or gender identity. Preventing, addressing and combating gender-based violence are intrinsic to human rights education, youth work and non-formal learning activities which support young people on their path to autonomy as active citizens, mindful of everyone’s human rights. The issues that are addressed through this work are all relevant to young people’s lives, and they relate directly to the world in which young people live. Gender Matters is a manual to address gender-based violence with young people. It provides insights into gender and gender-based violence, background information to key social, political and legal issues and, especially, educational activities and methods for education and training activities with young people. Gender Matters should be used as a practical resource in guiding young people to become more aware of their own actions and the actions of others. It contributes to a better understanding of how to stay safe and secure and how to support those who have experienced violence in their lives. It will not suffice to eradicate gender-based violence. However it is a necessary and urgent step towards dignity for all.

This policy brief offers research-informed analysis and action-oriented recommendations for local and national governments, literacy programme providers 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. One of the main conclusions is that while literacy alone does not empower women to create and participate in change, it plays a vital role in changing the lives of millions of women who have received little formal education.