Literacy is considered a human right, yet an estimated 250 million children around the world are unable to read or write. A lack of resources and unequal access to education—especially in crisis and conflict zones—have left 62 million girls out of school. The global fight for literacy goes beyond reading and writing; educating girls can be a tool for poverty alleviation, economic reform, and can create healthier and safer communities. How can the public and private sectors work with communities to increase literacy rates? Christie Vilsack discusses innovative efforts to eradicate global illiteracy and USAID’s latest international education initiatives.