President Pranab Mukherjee has said that there is a need to reduce the gender gap in literacy in order to achieve the goal of women empowerment. Addressing the International Literacy Day function in New Delhi today, Mr Mukherjee said, the gender gap in literacy should not be more than 10 per cent. He said, society should also be involved in literacy movement along side government activities. <br/><br/>The President said, India is way behind many sister developing countries in South Asia and needs to step up its efforts.<br/><br/>Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani also addressed the gathering. She urged volunteers and officials of Sakshar Bharat to include gender issues in their teachings. She said, true education must include respect for women at home and in the society.<br/><br/>India's literacy rate has progressed from 18 per cent in 1951 to 72.98 per cent in 2011. The target is to achieve 80 per cent literacy by the end of 12th Five-Year Plan.