19 captivating images of schoolgirls around the world

Regardless of their gender, these photos are proof that all children have the right to get an education

Globally, 65 million girls are not in school, of which, 24 million girls are in Pakistan. Of the 774 million people who are illiterate around the world, a staggering two-thirds are women. There are also 33 million fewer girls in primary school than boys.

Statistics show, that if every woman around the world receives a primary and secondary education, child deaths would be cut in half, saving 3 million people. A girl with eight years of education is four times less likely to marry as a child. If a girl earned just one extra year of education, she can earn 20 per cent more as an adult.

We've narrowed down 19 photographs which feature girls of all ages from countries around the world, including China, Pakistan, India and Kenya. Whether they're on their way to school, learning something in class or playing with their friends; these photos are proof that all children, regardless of their gender, have the right to get an education.

1. China

PHOTO: AFP

2. Afghanistan

PHOTO: AFP

3. Pakistan

PHOTO: AFP

 4. Ecuador

PHOTO: AFP

5. Gaza 

PHOTO: AFP

6. India

PHOTO: AFP

7. Brazil

PHOTO: AFP

8. Cuba

PHOTO: AFP

9. Haiti

PHOTO: AFP

10. France

PHOTO: AFP

11. Mexico

PHOTO: AFP

12. Iran

PHOTO: AFP

13. Indonesia

PHOTO: AFP

14. Russia

PHOTO: AFP

15. South Korea

PHOTO: AFP

16. Yemen

PHOTO: AFP

17. Cambodia

PHOTO: IMF

18. Sri Lanka

PHOTO: AFP

19. Yemen

PHOTO: AFP

 Compiled with excerpts from Huffington Post