Public health outbreaks have distinct gendered impacts, and 

the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. The unprecedented disruption to education is having immediate and potential longer-term effects on education and gender equality, particularly for the most marginalized. School closures have exacerbated girls’ and women’s unpaid care work, limiting the time to learn at home. Without schools as safe spaces, adolescent girls are at increased risk of gender-based violence, early marriage and unintended pregnancy, sexual exploitation and abuse. The crisis is also exacerbating boys’ disengagement from education in some regions.

But the crisis is also a window of opportunity to promote innovation, and strengthen the resilience and gender-responsiveness of education systems. Where digital solutions to distance learning are accessible, we can build the digital skills of girls and boys alike, and ensure all learners have the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe online.

Coalition members are working together to understand and address gender gaps in learning during school closures, and address health, protection and education issues that can negatively impact girls’ and boys’ learning continuity and reduce the likelihood that they will return to school. They are making sure that boys and girls re-enrol once schools reopen and that learning gaps are closed, and helping to build back equal by strengthening education systems to be gender-transformative, equitable and resilient.