When girls and women are safe, healthy, educated, and empowered, they can generate a positive ripple effect – helping to lift their families out of poverty, improving global health, and growing economies. Simply put: Supporting the rights of girls and women is a matter of justice; it’s also smart policy.
That’s why United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, members of the MDG Advocacy Group, and UN Foundation President and CEO Kathy Calvin are joining leaders from the UN, government, the private sector, and civil society at the World Economic Forum today to highlight the importance of empowering girls.
These leaders understand that prioritizing the rights and well-being of girls is key to making progress on the Millennium Development Goals.
Many global leaders also recognize the importance of promoting women’s reproductive health and expanding access to voluntary family planning services and information. This is one of the best ways to spur advances in health, education, and economic development.
Get the facts, and spread the word on why empowering women and girls is essential.
Take Action:
· Join the UN Foundation’s Girl Up campaign to support adolescent girls worldwide.
· Sign up for Family Planning 2020’s mailing list to learn more about expanding access to voluntary family planning.
· Follow Universal Access Project on Twitter at @UnivAccessProj to learn more about international reproductive health.
Sources:
Fact 1: The Millennium Development Goals Report 2013
Fact 2: Population Action International
Fact 3: Guttmacher Institute
Fact 4: UNESCO
Fact 5: UNICEF
Assets:
Download and share all 5 graphics