The global financial crisis has hit hard in many developing countries, but it’s taking its biggest toll on young women.

According to a new report by aid agency Plan International Australia, they are the first to lose their jobs and miss out on education as families are pushed further into poverty.

Chief Executive Ian Wishart says it reveals an attitude in the developing world that girls are not as important as boys.

He warns human rights for women could be set back decades if the impact of the global financial crisis is ignored.

As 2SER’S Britta Jorgensen reports, helping these young women could be the best way to end poverty for good.