A recent report by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), hosted by the World Bank, warns that approximately 118 million girls remain out of school worldwide—a staggering gap that translates to a loss of up to $30 trillion in lifetime productivity and earnings.
The report, titled “Why Invest in Girls’ Education,” highlights how limited access to quality education stifles economic growth and entrenches gender inequality.
GPE underscores that every dollar spent on girls’ education can potentially yield a $2.80 return, yet systemic barriers persist.
Critics argue that governments and international donors have consistently fallen short in channeling sufficient resources toward creating safe, inclusive learning environments.
Despite success stories from countries like El Salvador and Zimbabwe, the report stresses that the momentum is fragile, especially in regions with high rates of child marriage and entrenched social norms.
With countries like Nigeria and Pakistan among those most affected, the urgent call is for increased and sustained investment. The report serves as a sobering reminder that without transformative action, the lost potential of millions of girls will continue to hold back national and global development.
