In strengthening the implementation of the Gender at the Center Initiative (GCI), UNGEI and IIEP-UNESCO hosted the 4th GCI Alliance Board Meeting from March 28-30, 2023 in Dakar, Senegal.

Africa is home to half a billion children under 14, a number expected to reach 580 million by 2030. To secure their future, it is crucial to invest in and prioritize quality education for all today, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized children, including girls.

Women school principals are likely to play a central role in shaping the school environment. They can have a substantial impact on various aspects, from teacher performance to parental engagement and student motivation. However, despite these significant aspects, it is striking to note that the influence of the gender of school leadership remains understudied. This gap contrasts with the many pieces of evidence of the positive impact of female leadership in other fields, such as health, politics, and business.

This panel provided a valuable opportunity to introduce a recent study on women in leadership positions within education. Cécile Giraud, Gender Education analyst at IIEP-UNESCO, introduced the discussion by presenting the results of the Will Study. She highlighted the skills and characteristics of female school leaders that have a direct impact on improving learning.

Appointed as GCI's Focal Point in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a crucial role in arranging two training sessions on gender-responsive planning and management for education officers. These sessions, alongside other capacity development activities, fortified personnel with key skills to advance gender equality within the education sector.