The World Bank knows it.
Every development economist knows it.
The education of girls is the surest way in the world of reducing poverty. If there is to be a serious attack on the billions of people deprived of the basic ingredients of a decent life, schools in poor countries have to be full of girls, as well as boys. All the evidence shows that taking girls out of the fields and homes and putting them behind desks raises economic productivity, lowers infant and maternal mortality, reduces fertility rates and brings better environmental management. Countries that have pursued gender equality over the past three to four decades have grown faster and become more equal societies. Or they are not interested enough in changing the situation to commit energy and money to doing so.