SECRETARY CLINTON: Today, we stand together
with Malala and the millions of other girls
and women who literally risk their lives to get
an education.
This is, of course, essential for their own futures. Girls
with secondary schooling are far less likely
to become child brides. They are more likely to earn better incomes to contribute to their families if they begin working. 
And they will have smaller families, and their
children will therefore be healthier and better educated.
So getting an education is important to the
future of every girl. It's also
important, though, for all of us collectively. Because
when men and women have the same opportunities
to an education, societies are better off... economies flourish... public health  improves... democracies
become more stable.
The evidence is clear and the debate should
be over. Closing the education gap is a powerful
prescription for economic growth.
But all over the world, girls still face enormous
obstacles to getting an education. In fact, most of
the children who are not in school today are girls. And the numbers are especially high in developing
countries and countries torn apart by conflict.
That's why the United States is supporting
the UN Secretary General's Education First
Initiative and the goals of Education for
All, so that more girls receive a quality
education, and become active citizens in their
societies.
On behalf of Malala and countless other girls
who share her dream, let us champion
their right to an education - and let us expose and hold accountable those who would deny it. Together, we can
build a world where opportunity and education are truly a powerful force for progress for girls and boys, for men and women. Thank you.
