Harmful gender norms are perpetuated at the highest levels. These so-called norms are entrenched in laws and policies that fail to uphold – or that even violate – girls’ rights. Boys also suffer from gender norms: Social conceptions of masculinity can fuel child labor, gang violence, disengagement from school, and recruitment into armed groups. Promoting the equal rights of women and girls and investing in their full participation in political, social and economic spheres are essential to achieving this mission. 

This panel dives deep into what it takes to actually achieve gender equity, exploring interventions that will strengthen systems crucial to advancing the needle forward.  When appropriate systems are put into place with a gender lens in mind, access to education, health, protection, and economic prosperity become possible for the most vulnerable girls.