Save The Children's State of the World’s Mothers 2001 – in its unique “Mothers’ Index” first presented last year – offers critical information on the status of mothers and children around the world. With the introduction of a new “Girls’ Investment Index,” this year’s report zeroes in on the quality of girls’ and young women’s lives today, and thus provides an indication of how the next generation of mothers and children will fare. By offering critical information about the world’s two billion mothers, this report helps to focus attention on the very real needs of mothers – and their children – and to suggest actions needed to support women who are raising the world’s future generations.