This study is part of a series of notes on the potential cost of not educating girls globally. The objective is to document potential impacts and their economic costs. Low educational attainment affects girls’ life trajectories in many ways. Girls dropping out of school early are more likely to marry or have children early, before they may be physically and emotionally ready to become wives and mothers. This may affect their own health. It may also affect that of their children. Overall, the message is clear: educating girls is not only the right thing to do. It also makes economic and strategic sense for countries to fulfill their development potential. 

This study was prepared by a team at the World Bank with support from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, the Global Partnership for Education, and the Malala Fund.