Efforts to fight female illiteracy, boost gender equality lauded

Positive outlook: The illiteracy rate among women aged 15 and above has seen a drastic decline over the last 70 years. — Xinhua

BEIJING: China has made significant progress in curbing female illiteracy, according to a white paper.

Released by the State Council Information Office on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China next month, the report lauded the progress in several chapters as well as other gender equality and women’s welfare improvements in a host of areas, ranging from financial and political status to maternal health.

The illiteracy rate among women aged 15 and above had seen a drastic decline over the last 70 years, from 90% to 7.3% as of 2017, the report said.