A fundamental reason for the advocacy of women's literacy is its contribution to the attainment of citizenship, that is the claiming and use of public space and power. Following a presentation of basic trends and public policies in literacy, this article reviews the diverse theoretical understandings of literacy. It discusses normative arguments regarding the provision of emancipatory and sustainable literacy programs for women and the development of an expanded view of citizenship that considers not only the public space but also the private realms of everyday life. Such objectives, the article asserts, can be attained only if literacy is conceived as part of a political project that encourages dialogue and reflection to foster individual and collective agency.