This seminar paper discusses the enormous economic benefits of investing in women's education. Over time increases in girls' education have the potential to transform societies. Four conclusions were reached: (1) the excess female mortality in many developing countries is a horrifying problem that is the most obvious manifestation of a much broader problem of female deprivation; (2) female deprivation results from a vicious cycle where girls are not educated because they are not expected to make an economic contribution to their families, an expectation that represents a self-fulfilling prophecy; (3) increasing educational opportunities for girls offers the best prospect for cutting into this vicious cycle because increasing outlays directed at educating girls would yield enormous economic and social benefits; and (4) the share of the world's girls who go to school can be increased at a relatively modest cost, and over time have the potential to transfer the society. The best way to achieve increased investment in the education of girls is: (1) provide schools for girls; (2) make educating girls more economically attractive by reducing labor market discrimination against women and reducing the costs to parents of sending their daughters to school; and (3) design schools for girls in a way that is consistent with cultural values. Because education is a labor-intensive business, it is relatively inexpensive to provide in low-income countries. Letting girls go to school, learn to read, and experience more of the world beyond their homes makes them better off immediately and enriches their families. (DK)