There are approximately 130 million girls who do not attend school around the world.

The former Australian prime minister, Julia Gillard who is leading a campaign for the rights of girls to stay in education argues that many young girls around the world are marginalised. If they fall pregnant then it is unlikely that they would return to school.

Gillard believes that ensuring that girls stay in school is a "keystone for wider economic development." For example, in communities where more girls stay in school this has been shown to improve their health, it delays marriage and can increase their chances of securing a job.

This article could be used for the Education unit, as well as Families and Households (gender).