The International Federation of University Women (IFUW) urges governments to ensure that secondary school girl students have access to both digital and paper books on the occasion of World Book Day on 23 April 2014

Geneva, Switzerland, 23 April 2014 - On the occasion of World Book Day, the International Federation of University Women (IFUW) urges governments to legislate for cheap, extensive internet and mobile access to ensure that secondary school girls in particular have easy and regular access to both paper and digital books.

To build resilient communities and sustainable economies, girls must have the opportunity to complete secondary, tertiary, continuing and non-traditional education. Access to paper and digital books is a stronger predictor of children's educational attainment than parents' occupation, social class or income.[1]

"There is limited learning without books and limited economic development without learning." said IFUW President Catherine Bell. "Digital books, or e-books, can offer improved access to education for all secondary school age girls, including marginalised girls such as those living in remote and rural areas, those without transport to school, those without safe access to education and those who are disabled."

The International Federation of University Women (IFUW) is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1919, IFUW is the leading girls' and women's global organisation advocating for women's rights, equality and empowerment through access to quality education and training up to the highest levels.

IFUW is in special consultative status with ECOSOC and is an NGO maintaining official relations with UNESCO. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (@IFUWomen)

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For more information please contact: Nina Joyce, T: +41 22 731 23 80; Email: nj@ifuw.org

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[1] "Family scholarly culture and educational success: Books and schooling in 27 nations", M.D.R. Evans et al, Science Direct, Volume 28, Issue 2, June 2010, Pages 171-197