This study of gender differences in literacy attainment in Uttar Pradesh, 1951-91, reveals significant regional variations in female achievement and the gender gap. There is a strong correlation between regions with narrowing gender gaps and those with rising female literacy attainment. This suggests that increased attention to female education is an effective means of improving educational equality. Meanwhile, a closer look at UP's fastest-improving region - the northern hills - shows that female attainment is influenced less by population density or household income than by civic engagement and political conscientisation.