The unequal treatment of an individual or groups of individuals based on their gender is referred to as gender inequality. This form of injustice arises from the perspective of gender roles and are cemented into society as gender norms. Gender norms are often reinforced by public policy. The Americas Society analyzed gender equality policies and data of 135 countries and released their findings in the Global Gender Gap Report 2012; in their study, Peru ranked 78th. First Lady Nadine Heredia said the "Peruvian government is fully committed to bridging the gaps of gender inequality"; however, to improve their rankings, significant changes in the areas of education and domestic violence must be made.
According to the recently released study, Peru ranked 88 in educational attainment. In rural areas, an astonishing 33.7% of women are illiterate; whereas, only 10.9% of men within the same demographics are illiterate. In urban areas; on the other hand, 7.4% of women and 2.4 % of men are unable to read and write. These alarming statistics demonstrate a large gender and demographic disparity. Peruvian officials noticed this issue over a decade ago. In 2001, legislation to promote education for females in rural areas was enacted but little change has resulted. .
Although boys and girls in rural areas enroll into secondary school at nearly the same rate, only 43% of rural women between the ages of 20 and 24 finishes secondary school; this is fifteen percent lower than their male counterparts. While the legislation granted easier access to women, many families must overcome several challenges to send their children to school; families that are not capable of educating all of their children are very likely to give educational opportunities to a male. Clearly, overcoming this disparity will take much more than legislation; it will also take a change in how the Peruvian society views gender norms. However, the education of women is the key to reducing several gender inequality issues including violence against women.
