In many developing countries, girls have a lower quality of life than boys. Gender disparities exist before birth and become wider through the school-age and adolescents years. Discussion held at the Sixth International Forum of the Association for Women in Development (AWID) and the findings derived from them served as a catalyst for further investigation into the constraints on the quality of life of girls, and on programs and policies that show promise for overcoming those constraints. This monograph, one of the five commissioned by the AWID forum, discusses strategies used by women in different parts of the world to bring about change and to realize the benefits of sharing visions for the future. The monograph presents new information on the quality of life of girls in developing countries, especially as it relates to their health, education, and social well-being. It also presents program and policy options as suggestions for decision makers, planners, program implementers, and others who are interested in improving girls' lives. Contains 114 references. (MOK)