This report distills an array of data, studies and evidence to shine a spotlight on the disproportionate and multiple deprivations and constraints that face women and girls worldwide - from epidemic gender-based violence to laws and norms that prevent women from owning property, working, making decisions about their own lives and having influence in society.
Stressing that voice and agency must underpin all development efforts, the reports argues that, if we are to tackle gender inequality, extreme poverty and boost prosperity for all, girls and women must be able to make and act on their decisions - including the ability to decide if, when and whom to marry - and participate fully and equally in society.
It identifies some promising programmes and interventions to address these deprivations and constraints, including effective programmes that delay marriage for girls.
It also calls for investments in higher-quality data collection that more accurately reflect constraints on women and girls, and hold governments and data agencies to account.