Synopsis Illiteracy has had its imprint cast on society through various differences, one of the most remarkable and most frequent being gender disparities. Numerous studies show that illiterate women have generally high level of maternal mortality, poor nutritional status, low earning potential and little autonomy within the household. Education gives women the knowledge to understand that they have the potential, that they are entitled to basic rights and demand and seek them. For women to be self-reliant, it is primary that she understands the need for education and is educated enough to understand the consequences of her actions. That women need education does not only mean that she is entitled to basic education; it means she is entitled to education of the highest degree which will help her value her own potential and achieve her dreams. Further, from the human development point of view, it transpires that it is only education which gives one the knowledge about health care and in turn improves his or her life span through decent standard of living. This basic idea leads to the context that hence all humans, irrespective of sex or other determinants, need to be educated. This book impresses on the need of education for women by discussing its impact on them and how it plays a crucial role in empowering women. Through case studies and country experiences, the book further substantiates the same and highlights the practical barriers impeding the development of female education and thereby addresses the barriers for its promotion.