There are millions of such inspiring, independent women across South Asia—especially in the poorest countries, which are served by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

Originally published on the World Bank 'Voices: Perspectives on Development' blog   When I heard the news last autumn that 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan had been shot simply…

When I heard the news last autumn that 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan had been shot simply for standing up for her right as a girl to get an education, I was horrified. It also reminded…