Huffington Post: Investing In Girls And Women Is The Smartest Thing We Can Do
Tedros Adhanom, special adviser to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia

“…Despite all the progress we have made, millions of women and girls continue to face challenges ranging from access to education and employment opportunities, to early marriage and lack of access to reproductive/maternal health services that hampers them from achieving their full potential. … We must continue advocate for global actions and investments to support countries advance gender equality and the empowerment of girls and women. First, I believe reproductive rights are immensely important. … Second, I believe that investing in girls’ education is critical. … Finally, we must encourage women’s participation in our economy and in all levels of our government. … Investing in girls and women is the smartest thing we can do, and will help us to improve opportunities for all people. With equal access to education, health care, employment, and representation in political and economic decision-making, girls and women are [a] force to be reckoned with. A force that will build the resilient societies and sustainable economies we wish to achieve” (3/8).