Little research has been done to understand how investments in girls impact economic growth and the health and
well-being of communities. This lack of data reveals how pervasively girls have been overlooked. For millions of girls across
the developing world, there are no systems to record their birth, their citizenship, or even their identity.
However, the existing research suggests their impact can reach much farther than expected.
What Happens When a Girl Gets a Chance?
When a girl in the developing world receives seven or more years of education, she marries four years later, and has 2.2 fewer children.
Educated girls grow into educated women, who - research shows - have healthier babies and are more likely to educate their children.
When girls and women earn income, they reinvest 90 percent of it into their families, as compared to only 30 to 40 percent for a man.
An extra year of primary school boosts girls' future wages by 10 to 20 percent.
An extra year of secondary school boosts girls' future wages by 15 to 25 percent.
Looking to act? A call to action for funders, governments, NGOs, and companies: It's Your Move. Download the PDF
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India: Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009
The landmark passing of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009 marks a historic moment for the children of India. For the first time in India's history, children will be guaranteed their right to quality elementary education by the state with the help of families and communities.
