The ROI of Empowering a Girl?

People often ask what the ROI (Return on Investment) is for the work we do at Chaska. 
Of course, there are many variables. But here’s a simple way to look at it:


A woman who finishes only high school
Earns about US$160,000 over her lifetime
Works mostly in the informal economy — no job security, no benefits
Has a 70% chance of becoming a single mother
Depends on SIS, Peru’s public medical insurance for the poor, which covers emergencies but rarely medications or materials
Has no pension


A woman with a higher education
Earns at least US$400,000 over her lifetime
Works in the formal economy, with a contract, salary, and benefits
Receives 4 weeks of paid leave each year
Has comprehensive medical insurance for herself and her children
Retires with a pension fund of around US$52,000