The potential impact of investing in the empowerment of women and girls cannot be underestimated. Research shows us that if women’s paid employment rates were raised to the same level as men’s, the United States’ gross domestic product (GDP) would be an estimated 9 percent higher, the Euro Zone’s GDP would climb by 13 percent and Japan’s would be boosted by 16 percent. In 15 major developing economies, per capita income would rise 20 per cent by 2030. Empowering women also benefits men and children, and is pivotal to the health and social development of families, communities and nations.