7.5% illiteracy rate recorded among Jordanian women for year 2020 — DoS

AMMAN — Around 190.5,000 women above the age of 15 in Jordan are illiterate which makes 7.5 per cent of the total women population, according to The Department of Statistics (DoS) and Jordan women statistics for the year 2020.

As per city the percentage varies, highest rates were recorded in Maan with 12.2 per cent, Mafraq with 11.5 per cent and Tafileh with 11.2 per cent, meanwhile the lowest were recorded in the Capital with 6.1 per cent and Irbid for 6.6 per cent.

The illiteracy measures that were applied in this study were: The inability to read, write and do simple math which is also called traditional illiteracy, but the definition has changed due to the technological advances that are changing our world. 

The modern illiteracy also called computer illiteracy is defined as the inability to use technology, social media and information technology, according to the DoS. 

Literacy is a basic human right that should not be subjected to gender discrimination, it is considered the foundation for education which is the key for economic, social and political growth specially for developing countries.

The report focused on the persisting need to develop core employability skills for the youth, that will help them get better job opportunities in the future and enable them to be effective members in their communities.