Empowering the Girl Child, Improving Global Health

The health and productivity of a global society is dependent upon the elimination of gender inequities that prevent girls from achieving their full potential. Although some progress has been made in reducing social, economic, and health disparities between men and women, gender equality continues to be an elusive goal. The Millennium Development Goals (2000–2015) and the Sustainable Development Goals (2015–2030) include intergovernmental aspirations to empower women and stress that change must begin with the girl child.