“Indian communities and their leaders are starting to realise how much potential lies in the empowerment of their sisters, mothers, wives and daughters.”

Despite India's rapid economic growth, it remains home to one third of the world's poorest people – and one third of the world's child brides. After visiting the country with his fellow Elders last month, Archbishop Tutu sees encouraging signs that young people and leaders alike are beginning to put equality for girls and women at the heart of India's development.

“They want to be part of their country’s tremendous growth and opportunity; they want the chance to grow up before becoming parents themselves.”

After returning from India, Gro Brundtland blogs about the Elders' visit to an innovative youth-led project tackling entrenched attitudes towards child marriage in the state of Bihar.

“We hope to listen to girls affected by child marriage, their parents, their teachers and community leaders – and amplify their needs and concerns in our conversations with government, media and other influential people.”

Ela Bhatt is joined in India by her fellow Elders Desmond Tutu, Gro Brundtland and Mary Robinson at the start of a week-long visit focusing on the empowerment of girls and women.

“This shouldn’t be such a difficult topic for people of faith. It seems entirely consistent with the teachings of the world’s great religions that men and women are equal in the eyes of God.”

After a meeting with fellow religious leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Archbishop Desmond Tutu writes about the role faith leaders can play in promoting equality for girls and women.

As Egyptians celebrate the first anniversary of the uprising that removed Hosni Mubarak from power, Mary Robinson argues that it is time to challenge the patriarchal norms that continue to restrict women's political participation – and that Egypt's future as a just, democratic and prosperous nation depends on it.

Having recently returned from Ethiopia where he met women who had been married as young as ten, Desmond Tutu calls on men and boys to stand up for the rights of women and girls and support efforts to end child marriage.

“If I were to share one piece of advice with those looking to make a positive difference, it would be that you cannot do it alone.” Graça Machel blogs about being part of The Elders' visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to bring together activists from around the world who are working to end child marriage.

Elder Gro Brundtland blogs from Ethiopia about visiting Berhane Hewan, a project that educates girls, their husbands, their families and their community leaders about the risks of child marriage.

Mary Robinson recently made a five-day visit to Zimbabwe with several eminent African women leaders. While there she witnessed an historic agreement by the women of all parties to work together.

Women's voices must be heard for Cyprus to become a more prosperous, secure and equitable society, writes Gro Brundtland.