Synopsis The developed societies of the west and Japan had achieved 100% literacy well before the twentieth century. This is true that women's education in the developed west had also taken a longer period for the achievement of the targets of 100% literacy, but in the developing societies of Africa and Asia, the target of 100% literacy is still eluding. The democratic and humanistic considerations also make it obligatory on the part of the Governments of democratic societies to provide education for all. The achievement of education for all is not only a political agenda, economic considerations are more compelling. Skilled labour is more productive and a literate labour is more skilled.