Girls’ rights are human rights. Yet, millions of girls around the world are denied an education, life-saving health services, and opportunities for a brighter future. Here are 7 reasons why the fight for girls' rights still matter: 

1. Because in many countries girls are disadvantaged right from the start.

Gender discrimination starts early and continues through every stage of a girl’s life. The girl issue is real and it affects millions of girls every day - girls face double discrimination, simply for being young and female.

2. Because more than 62 million girls around the world are not in school.

Every girl has the right to an education, but poverty, child marriage, violence, lack of toilets and long distances to school, prevent millions of girls from getting an education. Yet with an education, girls can lift themselves – and everyone around them – out of poverty.

3. Because some girls who do get the chance to go to school are attacked for simply wanting to learn.

Think Malala Yousafzai – teenage girl attacked by terrorists for speaking out about girls’ right to education in Pakistan. Think the hundreds of school girls kidnapped in Nigeria, resulting in the campaign to #BringBackOurGirls.

4. Because there are girls forced to become wives and mothers when still children themselves.

In developing countries, 15 million girls are married every year - that's over 41,000 every day. Once married, girls are expected to become mothers when they’re not mentally or physically ready – putting their lives and their children’s lives at risk. Complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are the second leading cause of death among adolescent girls around the world.

5. Because improving girls’ rights is beneficial to boys too.

Improving girls’ rights isn’t just about girls – it’s about achieving gender equality. Studies show gender equality helps boys succeed in school, be more comfortable with their own identity and emotions, and it helps them build positive relationships. Gender equality is good for everyone!

6. Because investing in girls is KEY to eliminating poverty.

For every extra year a girl stays in school, her income can increase by 10 to 20%. When girls are educated, they have the knowledge, skills and opportunities to create a better, brighter future for themselves and everyone around them.

7. Because when girls ARE empowered, they can change the world.

When girls are educated, healthy and informed, they have the power to create a safer and brighter future for themselves, their families and even their entire communities!