World Economic Forum Urges Investing in Adolescent Girls
03:46, 4 February 2009
.. Posted in Development, Relief and Advocacy Efforts.. Link
For the first time, the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, devoted one of its plenary sessions to the impact of educating girls in developing countries. Over the weekend leaders of various foundations, corporations, NGOs, and government agencies agreed that significant investments in educating girls could help rejuvenate many of the world's economies.
The forum was moderated by CARE USA president and CEO Helene Gayle. Only half a cent of every international development dollar currently goes toward girls. Yet, studies have shown that providing women and girls with education and economic-based opportunities counters a range of negative issues that affect entire communities in the poorest countries of the world, not just those affecting women and girls. The session stressed the importance of reaching women in early adolescence — before early marriage, early pregnancy, and/or HIV/AIDS can derail their chances of living happy, healthy, prosperous lives.
More info: “World Economic Forum: Invest in Girls to Combat Poverty.” (Associated Press) and “World Economic Forum Gives Adolescent Girls a Voice on the Global Stage.” (UN Foundation Press release)
