( CNN ) -- Dear Girls of the World , . My 3-year-old daughter , Jasmine , amazes me every day . In all of my travels around the world as a fashion photographer , I 've never seen anything more beautiful than watching her grow up . She loves going to school and dreams of becoming a doctor and a ballerina -- there are no limits to what she can become ! As a father , it pains me that not every girl has the same chance as Jasmine to get an education and pursue her dreams . Today , girls make up more than half of the 140 million children and adolescents who do n't attend school , and in many countries , more than half the girls drop out before they get to the sixth grade . Instead of getting an education , they are often forced to marry as children and carry the burden of household chores . This predicament is devastating for millions of girls who deserve better . It 's also devastating for our world because educating girls is one of the most important steps we can take to end poverty . When a girl is educated , she is likely to earn more money to support her family , to promote economic growth in her country , and to have a healthier home life . The good news is : We can make a difference . As part of the United Nations Foundation 's Girl Up campaign , I 've had the opportunity to work with young people to stand up for girls ' education . Girl Up , a `` for girls , by girls '' campaign , mobilizes the energy of youth to help raise funds and awareness for United Nations programs that provide girls in developing countries with life-changing opportunities , like getting an education . Thanks to the work of the U.N. , governments , organizations and girls around the world , more girls than ever are in primary school . We still have more work to do to get every girl in a classroom , but we are making progress . Achieving this goal will require all of us to stand up for girls ' rights . Men and boys need to be part of the solution . After all , the positive impact of girls ' education has been shown to transcend generations , benefiting girls , as well as their families , their communities and our world . Girls can change the future , but we need to give them the chance . Join the growing movement to advocate for girls ' education . - Nigel Barker . More : CNN 's `` Girl Rising '' Write your own open letter to girls of the world .
Nigel Barker writes an open letter to girls of the world . To get every girl in a classroom , `` men and boys need to be part of the solution '' CNN Films ' `` Girl Rising '' premieres June 16 .