@Jillian: Like you, I also studied this in college and graduate school. When you realize the positive benefits of investing in girls and women, it’s surprising that this wasn’t more of a development tool in the past. Glad you enjoyed the slideshow and learning more about Girl Effect.

@Sutapa: I was really happy to see the choices yesterday for the Nobel Peace Prize! Beyond recognizing the incredible work of the three women, this decision brings a high level of awareness to this issue. Let’s hope this topic doesn’t drop from the media’s attention tomorrow.

@Sunee: I’ll have to try and find that article – sounds like it was well done and presented the sober reality in many areas of the world still. We’ve been in quite a few places where boys are looked at as being an economic support for the family while girls are looked at as taking resources from the family (food, money, etc.). Marrying off girls as young as possible is seen as being good for the girl’s family (i.e., they don’t have to support her anymore) and prized by the man (no explanation needed). I do believe (and stats show) that when girls attending school – whether it is required by law or voluntarily – they are less likely to marry so young. Perhaps that has to do with their desire or perhaps the parents realize that there are other options for her. Whatever the reason, it’s a good thing.

@Henry & Jordan: Glad you enjoyed the slideshow and hope you continue to follow this issue of investing in girls’ education.

@Sutapa: When we’ve gone on projects for microfinance organizations, I am always really moved by the mothers we meet who have their children’s education – girls and boys – as their top priority. Sometimes, these mothers are illiterate themselves, but they know the value of education for creating a better future for their children. And those children will pass it on to their children.

And like you, I believe that the economic benefit of educating girls with overflow into other parts of culture and society.

@Christy: I become very frustrated when I see politicians talk about the importance of investing in girls – because they know it’s the “right” thing to say – but then no policy or resources are put towards doing actually doing something about it. We (and governments giving international aid) should evaluate based on actions and not words.

A recent visit to Bangladesh was uplifting in that in a couple of decades they have been able to almost achieve parity between boys and girls at primary school by using a combination of policy/law and incentives. I have a feeling that Bangladesh’s future will be much brighter because of this investment now…