What does her story mean to you?

I’m writing this post while watching baseball.

The boys of October have once again captivated the national consciousness. This is the time of year during which legends are born, dynasties are made or broken, and the fate of your hometown team can come down to one last pitch.

Today, however, I’m asking you to take a moment (perhaps during the 7th-inning stretch?) to consider a girl.

Hundreds of bloggers are writing today to raise awareness about a campaign called the Girl Effect. This campaign, organized by blogger Tara Sophia Mohr, represents the potential of 600 million adolescent girls to end the cycle of poverty — for themselves, their families, their nations and the world.

 

 

It’s a well-documented finding that better-educated women make more beneficial decisions regarding their own health and the health of their families. Researchers from a 2009 study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation found that for every additional year of education women received, the death rate for children younger than 5 years old decreased by almost 10 percent. It is clear that the education of women is the key to improving living situations around the world.

Obviously, however, there is much improvement to be had in educating women, especially regarding maternal health, UNICEF’s 5th Millennium Development Goal. Example? Watch “A Walk to Beautiful.”

So, what am I asking of you? Of course, you can donate if you are so inclined, but word of mouth is also powerful. The world needs a kick in the pants. We’re the ones to give it. You can help administer said kick by joining in the conversation.