According to the 2011 Census, the Literacy rate of Uttar Pradesh is 71%. Male literacy is at 79%, while it is only 59% for the Females. This is well below the national average of 74% (82% for men and 65% for women). Low literacy, compounded by high levels of poverty is especially detrimental to women, who already suffer from gender inequality in a deeply patriarchal society rife with discriminatory norms and practices.