This article was written by Kadiatou Cissé Abbassi, director of education at Plan International USA. For more information on Plan’s work, please reach out to Kate Ezzes, vice president of program development at Plan International USA at [email protected].

Education is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and unlock their full potential. Yet millions of girls around the world still face barriers that prevent them from learning. 

The cost of denying girls their right to education extends far beyond individual lives — it impacts entire societies. The global economy loses between $15 and $30 trillion in lifetime productivity and earnings due to gaps in education.

This analysis explores why targeted investments in girls’ secondary education are not just ethical but economically essential. 

Persistent challenges in girls’ education 

Despite major progress in expanding educational access, significant barriers remain. The 2025 Girl Goal report indicates that while the number of out-of-school girls fell by 39% over the last two decades, 122 million girls remain out of school globally:

    — High drop-out rates: Many girls still drop out at the primary level or fail to reach secondary education.

    — Systemic barriers for secondary education: Those who do access secondary education continue to face: 

            — Inadequate support systems. 

            — Early marriage. 

            — Insufficient water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. 

            — Safety concerns. 

            — Restrictive social norms. 

    — Increased vulnerabilities in crisis contexts: Girls in conflict zones, crisis situations or extreme poverty are denied the right to attend school more often. 

The transformative impact of educating girls 

Nelson Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world.” This remains true — especially when we invest in girls’ education, a key to unlocking countless opportunities. The evidence is clear: when girls receive an education, they gain greater agency, make informed decisions and contribute to their communities and economies in transformative ways. 

    — Economic empowerment: Each additional year of schooling can increase a girl’s earnings potential by up to 20%. 

    — Workforce participation: Educated girls are more likely to enter the formal labor market and strengthen economic productivity. 

    — Health and well-being: Education leads to better health outcomes, including lower maternal and child mortality rates. 

    — Social and economic mobility: Girls with access to education delay marriage and childbearing, improving their long-term stability. 

    — Community and global growth: Education strengthens economies and governance, creating more resilient and self-sufficient societies. 

The consequences of failing to invest in girls’ secondary education: 

    — Reduced lifetime earnings: Girls without secondary education may see their potential earnings cut by up to 50%. 

    — Higher child marriage rates: 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year, limiting their opportunities for education and economic independence.  

    — Increased child mortality: Children born to uneducated mothers are twice as likely to die before the age of 5.  

    — Higher maternal mortality: Lack of education contributes to higher pregnancy-related deaths.  

    — Increased child malnutrition: 144 million children globally suffer from stunting, which is linked to maternal education levels. 

    — Economic losses: Educational gaps result in massive economic inefficiencies — limiting workforce development, reducing global competitiveness and cutting into national GDP. 

The alternative: Investing in girls for economic growth 

The economic impact of investing in girls’ education is undeniable. Plan International’s Girls Learn & Thrive program in Senegal is proving that when girls have the resources to complete school, they gain the skills to thrive in the workforce and contribute to economic development. 

Child marriage remains a major barrier to education in Senegal, affecting 30% of girls before 18 and 9% before 15. In regions like Kédougou, early marriage forces many girls to drop out of school. To address this, Girls Learn & Thrive equips girls with the tools to stay in school, transition into employment and achieve financial independence by: 

    — Connecting girls with career opportunities – 112 girls visited businesses, met female professionals in leadership roles, and explored careers in male-dominated industries. 

    — Building entrepreneurial skills – 465 youth attended entrepreneurship fairs, where they developed business strategies, gained self-employment guidance and accessed financial resources. 

    — Strengthening academic performance – 129 girls improved their skills in math, philosophy, English and French through 122 targeted remedial sessions. 

    — Preparing girls for financial independence – Girls engaged in peer mentorship and vocational training, gained money management skills and launched small businesses, including a bakery. 

    — Engaging fathers and community leaders – Fathers’ groups led 287 discussions with more than 1,500 participants, including religious leaders and local officials. These sessions challenged social norms, encouraged girls’ education and promoted the delay of child marriage. 

    — Raising awareness through media advocacy – Girls designed and led radio and social media campaigns, reaching over 50,000 people across Guinea, Mali and Senegal with messages on gender equality and education. 

Girls Learn & Thrive participants celebrate their achievements with their community in Senegal. | © Plan International

The long-term impact 

When girls stay in school, economies thrive. Education doesn’t just transform individual lives — it strengthens entire communities, driving long-term economic resilience. Girls who complete secondary education are more likely to enter formal employment, start businesses and reinvest in their families and local economies. 

By ensuring access to education, we’re not only preparing girls for brighter futures — we’re strengthening labor markets, fostering entrepreneurship and building more stable and self-sufficient societies. Investing in girls’ education isn’t an act of charity. It’s a proven strategy for economic growth and sustainable development. 

Why this matters beyond borders 

The success and stability of low- and middle-income countries are critical not only globally but also for the United States. Investing in education strengthens economies, stabilizes societies and creates opportunities that benefit everyone. 

    — Stability & security: Education reduces conflict and extremism, decreasing the need for U.S. humanitarian and military interventions. 

    — Economic growth: Stronger economies open new trade opportunities and expand markets for U.S. goods and services. 

    — Workforce & innovation: With birth rates declining in high-income countries, investing in education abroad helps build a skilled global workforce. 

    — Peace & governance: Education fosters democratic values, informed decision-making and institutional stability. 

    — Migration: Improving conditions in home countries reduces the pressures that drive irregular migration. 

When low- and middle-income countries thrive, girls and young women gain greater agency — allowing them to lead, contribute to their communities and shape their futures. This empowerment reduces reliance on foreign aid and strengthens global partnerships. 

A call to action: The time to invest is now 

Breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality starts with bold action. Investing in girls’ education isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the smartest investment we can make for a more stable, prosperous world. 

To create lasting change, we must take a holistic approach: 

    — Ensure access to quality education and skills so every girl has the opportunity to learn and thrive. 

    — Strengthen health services and policies to support girls’ well-being and remove barriers to education. 

    — Promote positive social norms that empower girls and challenge restrictive gender roles. 

    — Drive economic empowerment by equipping girls with the skills and opportunities to succeed. 

With the right investments, we can give millions of girls the tools to shape their futures, strengthen their communities and drive economic growth. The time to act is now. 

Stay updated on Plan International’s technical work by signing up for “From Plan to Action,” our quarterly newsletter.