According to NCERT *The literacy rate among women is 50 per cent approx as compared with 76 per cent among men. * Hence Option " A" is correct.

Literacy Rate among Women and Men

Literacy rate is defined as the percentage of people in a given population who can read and write. It is an important indicator of a country's development and progress. In many parts of the world, there is a significant gender disparity when it comes to literacy rates. Let's examine the options provided and determine the correct answer.

a) 54% - Correct Answer
b) 98%
c) 68%
d) 70%

According to the provided options, the correct answer is option 'A', which states that the literacy rate among women as compared to men is 54%. This means that only 54% of women are literate compared to men.

Gender Disparity in Literacy Rates

Gender disparity in literacy rates is a common issue in many countries. Historically, women have been disadvantaged in terms of access to education due to various socio-cultural factors. Let's explore the reasons behind the lower literacy rate among women compared to men.

1. Lack of Access to Education: In some societies, girls are not given the same educational opportunities as boys. They may face barriers such as early marriage, cultural norms, or limited resources allocated for their education.

2. Gender Bias: Gender bias can manifest in various forms, including expectations for women to prioritize domestic responsibilities over education. This bias can discourage girls from pursuing education or limit their educational opportunities.

3. Economic Factors: Poverty and economic constraints can also contribute to lower literacy rates among women. Families facing financial difficulties may prioritize investing in the education of their male children over their female children.

4. Early Marriage and Childbearing: In some regions, girls are married off at a young age, which often leads to them dropping out of school. Early marriage and childbearing can disrupt their education and limit their opportunities for acquiring literacy skills.

Efforts to Improve Literacy Rates among Women

Recognizing the importance of gender equality in education, governments, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies have been working towards improving literacy rates among women. Some of the strategies employed include:

1. Promoting Girls' Education: Initiatives aimed at increasing access to education for girls, such as scholarships, school infrastructure development, and awareness campaigns, are crucial in addressing the gender gap in literacy rates.

2. Empowering Women: Providing opportunities for women to gain literacy skills can empower them to participate more fully in society. Adult literacy programs and vocational training can help women develop skills and enhance their economic prospects.

3. Policy Reforms: Governments can enact policies that prioritize gender equality in education and allocate resources to ensure equal access to education for both boys and girls.

Conclusion

The correct answer to the question is that the literacy rate among women as compared to men is 54% (option 'A'). This reflects the gender disparity in education and highlights the need for concerted efforts to improve literacy rates among women. By addressing the barriers and biases that hinder women's access to education, we can work towards achieving gender equality in literacy rates and fostering overall societal development.