Missing In Action

A series of studies conducted in the early to mid 1990's highlight a startling truth.  Based on a variety of biologic factors, there should be a slightly higher percentage of females than males on the planet. 

If you remember anything from freshman biology, this little tidbit does not come as a big surprise.  Women live longer than men and infant females tend to be physically stronger than infant males. Evolutionary biologists say, as a species, we need more females than males.  One male can produce multiple offspring simultaneously via multiple partners.  One female can only produce one offspring at a time minus the occasional set of twins (or the use of fertility meds). Need more women to keep the species going.

The startling truth to these studies was not the biology trivia lesson.  It was this...

Based on biological reality, there are between 60 million and 100 million females human beings missing from the planet.

Missing.  MIA.


Begs the question; where did they all go?  The answer isn't pretty. Here are a few of the scientifically evidenced reasons for this frightening truth:

honor killings
AIDS deaths (teenagers sold into prostitution by age 12 die before they are 20)
Genocide
Rape/Murders as acts of war & village disputes
Sanctioned suicides for rape victims
Passive murder due to gender bias (allowing infant girls to die)
Maternal mortality
Death resulting from eating disorders

Let's take this conversation away from human rights for just a minute and just look at the economic impact.  60 to 100 million fewer laborers producing goods and services. 60 to 100 million fewer incomes being poured into the economy through purchases. 60 to 100 million fewer minds solving problems such as cancer, nuclear disarmament, etc.  What if one of those missing minds had the cure for cancer?  I imagine someone else will find the cure eventually, but it is worth thinking about the global impact of all these missing girls and women.

change the lives of women, change the world...
T.