Giving Compass' Take:

• The Aspen Institute takes a look at the influence of Title IX, the law that gives protections for women and girls in federally-funded programs, sports and activities, examining how far we've come in the half-century since its implementation — and how much further we need to go.

• Among the action items here is to pay close attention to program designs and to recognize where the data gaps exist when it comes to gender equity, especially in sports. What can nonprofits do to make sure the Title IX legacy continues?

• Here's why it's necessary to open Title IX investigations at K-12 schools.

Title IX, signed on June 23, 1972, was a game changer. It altered the rules for federally funded activities in education, making it illegal to discriminate against women and girls in this area. It also gave them the opportunity to participate in sports and physical activities, creating a path for some of our greatest athletes, like Mia Hamm and Sheryl Swoopes.

Title IX built a strong policy-based foundation, but 46 years later, we know that our work has really only just begun. While many systemic and cultural changes — from reductions in physical education programs in public schools to increasingly higher costs of participation in competitive sports — have led to a drop in physical activity among all kids, girls are still getting the short end of the stick.

At Nike, we believe if you have a body, you’re an athlete. But fewer and fewer girls hold that statement to be true about themselves. More than 38 percent of girls(versus 25 percent of boys) in America don’t participate in sport. Girls are consistently two years behind boys in physical literacy skills. We may not be entirely sure why this gap exists, but we know the scale of its impact. Generally speaking, when girls lack the competence, they also lack the confidence to engage in sports. Children as young as 8 years old begin defining themselves as athletes, or not.

When girls walk away from sport this early in life, it affects more than just their health and happiness. Research shows that physically active kids are 15 percent more likely to attend college, and earn 7 to 8 percent more money, on average. Essentially, play equals power.

So, the big question today is, how can we all come together to truly, finally deliver on the promise of Title IX to promote gender equality in sports?

Read the full article about revisiting Title IX 46 years later by Caitlin Morris at The Aspen Institute.