Schoolgirls in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India

© imageBROKER/Alam

International Day of the Girl. 1.1 billion opportunities for a better world

Today’s homepage recognizes the International Day of the Girl, a UN-sponsored event to raise awareness about the 1.1 billion girls in the world, the unique challenges they face, and what the future could promise if they’re empowered to overcome those challenges. That future is a bright one. Research from UN Women indicates that when girls are provided an education, the rate of child marriage is reduced, as well as rates of disease. When women work, economies grow. And when the share of household income controlled by women increases, children benefit. It’s all the more reason to invest in education and equality for women and girls around the world.