facts & stats About World Poverty and Empowerment

Global poverty and empowerment at a glance

• Globally, roughly 500 million more people now have bank accounts than in 2015. Still, this leaves 1.4 billion people without bank accounts.
• People who can read are more likely to participate politically and exercise their civil rights.
• Direct links between empowerment and breaking free from poverty are real. Self-confidence, personal power and aspirations for the future are associated with a high increase in escaping poverty.
• Enhanced leadership skills, less alcohol or drug use, and better performance in school are all outcomes of empowered youth.
• At least 12 million girls a year are married before they reach the age of 18 – that’s 28 girls every minute.
• In developing countries, 71% of people have a bank account – a 42% increase from a decade ago.
• In the past decade, an estimated 25 million child marriages have been prevented, thanks to many factors, including an increased global rate of girls’ education.