Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

The authors begin the first section of Chapter 10, “Investing in Education,” with a story about Dai Manju, a 13-year-old girl who lived in a mountain town in central China. Her family lacked the funds for her to continue her education, as she deeply wanted to do. With help from an American donor and bank, Dai was able to complete her education, including attending accounting school. Her ability to complete her education changed the lives of her and her family for the better.

Next, Kristof and WuDunn explore how to increase school attendance, especially for girls. They propose four ideas, including deworming students, which costs approximately 50 cents per child; helping girls manage menstruation; iodizing salt, which helps with brain growth; and bribing rural families to invest in their children’s education, such as school feeding programs. They argue that these four examples are more cost-effective than building schools.

In addition, the authors consider how to increase learning. One way is to offer scholarships to girls with good grades. Research demonstrates that this approach, compared to others (e.g., providing free textbooks), led to higher test scores.

In the second half of the chapter, “Ann and Angeline,” the authors begin with the story of Angeline Mugwendere, a young, impoverished Zimbabwean girl.