10 Must-Read Facts on the Impact of Girls’ Education

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educating girls is smart, for all of us

Around the world, girls face barriers to education that boys don’t. But when you educate a girl, you can break cycles of poverty in just one generation. Take a look at the surprising statistics that will not only inform you on the current status of girls’ education, but also illustrate the lasting impact education has on girls, families, communities, countries, and the world.

During September, TakePart highlighted inspiring teachers in high-poverty communities across the U.S. With your help, we supplied teachers and their students with math and reading books, musical instruments, and other essential tools that will help them succeed. This October, join Intel and 10x10act.org in celebrating the first ever International Day of the Girl on October 11, 2012. Beginning October 1, Intel celebrates the heroes making a real difference in girls’ education around the world.

Spread the word: Educating girls is smart, for all of us.

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

Millions of Girls Don’t Go to School

Globally, 77.6 million girls are currently not enrolled in either primary or secondary education. Almost half of these girls are in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a quarter in South Asia.

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

(Sources: World Bank and UNESCO)

A Lack of Literacy

Of the 163 million illiterate youth in the world, more than half—63 percent—are female.

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

(Source: UNFPA)

The Problem of Poverty

Around the world, 250 million adolescent girls live in poverty, and when international development funds are allocated, less than two cents of every dollar is directed specifically to girls.

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

(Sources: Girl Effect and The Coalition for Adolescent Girls)

What Educating Girls Will Change

Sixty-five low- and middle-income countries are losing approximately $92 billion per year by failing to educate girls to the same standards as boys. An extra year of primary school boosts girls’ eventual wages by 10 to 20 percent. An extra year of secondary school: 15 to 25 percent.

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

(Sources: World Bank and the Global Compact Summary)

Education = $

When 10 percent more girls go to school, a country’s GDP increases on average by three percent.

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

(Source: Council on Foreign Relations)

No More Child Marriage

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.

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

(Source: UN Population Fund)

A Long Life

Children born to educated mothers are twice as likely to survive past the age of five.

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

(Source: Make it Right)

A Healthy Family

A girl who completes basic education is three times less likely to contract HIV, and women who are educated are 50 percent more likely to immunize their children.

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

(Sources: UNGEI and Make It Right)

Educate Girls, Change the World

Together, we have the power to help give girls access to quality education. Join Intel and 10x10act.org in changing minds and changing lives.

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

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Jenny is the Education Editor at TakePart. She has been writing for TakePart since 2009 and previously worked in film and television development. She has taught English in Vietnam and tutors homeless children in Los Angeles. Email Jenny | @jennyinglee | TakePart.com

10 Must-Read Facts on the Impact of Girls’ Education

educating girls is smart, for all of us

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

Millions of Girls Don’t Go to School

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

A Lack of Literacy

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

The Problem of Poverty

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

What Educating Girls Will Change

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

Education = $

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

No More Child Marriage

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

A Long Life

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

A Healthy Family

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

Educate Girls, Change the World

(Photo provided by 10x10act.org. Educate Girls, Change the World.)

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