In the latest edition of the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Kavita Ramdas argues that sexual education and reproductive health are essential to women’s and girls’ futures. She writes:

… if we want our daughters to grow up with confidence, courage, and competence, we must make sure that they grow up with knowledge about and access to contraception. We should build schools, fund libraries, encourage teacher training, and support free tuition, but we also need to push for comprehensive access to sex education for both girls and boys, not just abroad, but right here in the United States.

This conclusion resonates with our recent findings in Shaping the FutureWomen & Girls in Central NJ.

… As one commenter on the SSIR website points out, the article echoes Melinda Gates’ TED talk in April.

What is your outlook on the issues — and on where philanthropists should focus their efforts?