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There is increasing evidence highlighting the benefits of investing in girls around the world. Investing in girls is not only a noble cause and a responsibility for humanity as a whole, but it is also a strategic move for businesses and governments to drive the growth and development of societies. Investment in girls is reflected across multiple dimensions:
Economic Growth:
Increase in Economic Productivity: Research from the World Bank highlights the direct economic benefits of educating girls. Women with schooling tend to earn higher incomes, start businesses, and boost the productivity of their communities. It is estimated that for every additional year of schooling a girl receives, her future income can increase by 10-25%.
Closing the Gender Gap: The McKinsey Global Institute predicts that closing the labor force gap could increase global GDP by up to $12 trillion by 2025. Educated girls drive equitable and inclusive economic growth, benefiting entire nations.
Multiplier Effect: Educated girls are more likely to reinvest in their families and communities, breaking generational cycles of poverty. The economic power of women extends to the entire community and contributes to long-term development.
Health Improvement:
Decrease in Maternal Mortality Rates: Girls with schooling are less likely to experience unwanted pregnancies during adolescence and become mothers at a young age. They tend to marry later and plan their families, avoiding child marriage, which is linked to high maternal mortality rates.
Improvement in Child Health: Girls with schooling are more likely to understand the importance of hygiene, healthcare, and disease prevention, which, according to UNICEF, increases the likelihood that the children of educated mothers will survive childhood diseases and thrive.
Sport as a Tool for Development:
Leadership and Self-Efficacy: Girls who practice sports can cultivate leadership, resilience, confidence, and self-efficacy, among other skills. UN Women emphasizes that sports programs for girls support their personal development and open up professional opportunities in the future.
Economic Benefits of Girls in Sports: According to UNESCO, increasing the participation of girls and women in sports generates economic value, ranging from reducing healthcare costs due to healthier lifestyles to generating income through sports leagues, which are still an underexplored market.
Impact and Social Inclusion:
Social Impact and Community Growth: Investing in the general education of girls allows for what is known as "The Girl Effect", which is a positive multiplier effect on the lives of individuals and their communities. As girls become women, they turn their knowledge into a cascade that benefits the entire population in terms of economics, health, and development.
Social Inclusion: Giving girls access to educational and sports spaces enables social inclusion and integration, allowing girls to be part of public life and not be restricted solely to domestic life.
Challenging Social Stereotypes: Having access to education and sports allows girls and the community in general to question narratives and stereotypes regarding gender, privileges, and roles assigned by society.