We warmly invite you to join us for a side event panel discussion co-hosted by the UN Girls' Education Initiative (UNGEI), the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Education International at this year's 62nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The focus of the event concerns approaches to advancing gender equality in education and addressing the particular challenges faced by girls in poor rural communities.

While across the world girls and young women are making strides in education access and completion, for most girls growing up in poor rural areas, the vision of quality education remains out of reach. Too many are far behind their male peers in completing 12 years of education. Long distances to school, fewer teachers, and fewer facilities are common challenges. In many parts, schools are not safe and supportive teaching and learning environments, and the high prevalence of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) is a major issue.

Women teachers in rural areas also face significant barriers due to poor living and working conditions, and threats to personal and professional wellbeing. For both male and female teachers, issues of exclusion and isolation can be critical.

In this context, educators and activists are designing and implementing programs to advance the rights of girls and women and address the particular challenges of rurality. Bringing a range of perspectives to the discussion, we are delighted to welcome an expert panel from the UN, member states, CSOs and education unions, to explore the challenges and opportunities provided by a commitment to gender equality in education, in rural as in urban areas:

- Linda Hofstad Helleland: Minister of Children and Equality, Norway
- Joanna Roper: Special Envoy for Gender and Equality, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (TBC)
- Haldis Holst: Deputy General Secretary, Education International
- Rita Bissoonauth: Coordinator, International Centre for the Education of Women and Girls in Africa (CIEFFA), African Union
- Taily: Youth Commission, Continental Network of Indigenous Women of the Americas (ECMIA)
- Solange Akpo: Capacity Building Manager & Head of Lomé Programme, West Africa, African Network Campaign on Education for All (ANCEFA),
- Urvashi Gandhi: Deputy Director, Breakthrough India

We very much hope you can make it for what promises to be a rich and constructive discussion.