The launch of ‘Reaching for the Sky: Empowering Girls through Education’, a book by Urvashi Sahni (Founder and Director of the Study Hall Educational Foundation and Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Universal Education, the Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C.).

How can gender equality can be achieved in a patriarchal society through education? How can girls learn to be equal and autonomous persons in school as part of their official curriculum? And, how can they use this learning to transform their lives and those of their families?

Reaching for the Sky illustrates how education can be truly transformative when it addresses the everyday reality of girls’ lives and responds to their special needs and challenges with respect and care. The insights and lessons from this book have important implications for wider policy-making.

Urvashi Sahni is a leading expert in school governance, curriculum reform and teacher training with a special focus on girls’ education and the use of technology in education. She was recently awarded the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2017 for her work in educating India’s most disadvantaged girls.

The book was unveiled by Chief Minister of Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje, and will feature keynote remarks by Vrinda Sarup, former Secretary, School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development. A panel discussion among experts, including Dipta Bhog – an independent education and gender consultant who has worked in the area of development for the past 25 years – teachers and students, addressed some key policy concerns and lessons from experience.