Educating Women Changes The World 

Being literate empowers women to be part of society and take ownership of their lives. It helps break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and reduces child deaths.

Mothers’ Union’s literacy programmes empower women to transform their own and their families’ lives. Over 200,000 women worldwide have learnt to read and write through these programmes. That’s 200,000 women who can now write their name, budget for their families, start their own business and earn an income, without being dependent on their husbands. Women who understand the value of education and are sending both their sons and daughters to school. Women who won’t get cheated because they can’t count. Women who can read the Bible and participate in church and their communities. Women who are taking on leadership roles and taking control of their lives. Women who fully participate in their household and community decisions, who have a voice and are using it. 

‘I thank God for this literacy programme,’ says Karungi, from the Democratic Republic of Congo. ‘I didn't know how to read and write. When I started this learning I started to have peace. If someone says, “can you write this?” I can now write it down. I have now joined the savings groups. I can read a letter and know what is inside.’ 

Karungi has learnt how to grow a variety of nutritious vegetables which grow – and can be harvested – more quickly. She now earns enough to support her family, pays her children’s schools fee and even saves. ‘I've learned all these techniques because of literacy. My husband is very happy. I know when to buy and know when to sell. This is development. I'm happy with this knowledge and want us to continue.’ 

‘If you cannot read and write, you are forgotten. MU has given women a key. The key to open their minds, to organise themselves, to participate in everything, to lead others. It has brought women from darkness to light. It has shown them that they have dignity and value.’ - Bishop, Diocese of Matana

‘Literacy is the foundation of everything. The programme addresses social issues. It has improved social cohesion. It has contributed to conflict resolution. Women sit with men to discuss family issues. Once there is peace in the family, there is peace in the community.’ - Bishop, Diocese of Gitega