Christian missionaries also influenced Malayali women in that they started schools for girls from poor families.[51] Opportunities for women such as education and gainful employment often translate into a lower birth rate,[52] which in turn, make education and employment more likely to be accessible and more beneficial for women. This creates an upward spiral for both the women and children of the community that is passed on to future generations. According to the Human Development Report of 1996, Kerala's Gender Development Index was 597; higher than any other state of India.