A workshop was held on June 17, 2023, in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, to discuss the challenges facing girls' education in climate-impacted areas. The workshop was organized by POPI and DRRA, and it brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, educators, and representatives from civil society.

The workshop focused on the impact of climate change on girls' education, and it explored ways to promote girls' education in climate-affected areas. The participants discussed a number of challenges, including:

• Inaccessibility to schools: Climate change has led to an increase in flooding and other natural disasters, which has made it difficult for girls to access schools.
• Gender discrimination: Girls are often discriminated against in education, and they may be discouraged from attending school.
• Cost of education: The cost of education can be a barrier for girls, especially in rural areas.

The participants also discussed a number of strategies to promote girls' education in climate-affected areas, including:

• Providing safe and accessible schools: Schools should be built in areas that are less prone to flooding and other natural disasters.
• Providing scholarships and financial assistance: Scholarships and financial assistance can help to reduce the cost of education for girls.
• Changing attitudes towards girls' education: There is a need to change attitudes towards girls' education, and to encourage families to send their daughters to school.

The workshop concluded with a call for action to promote girls' education in climate-affected areas. The participants agreed that it is important to work together to address the challenges facing girls' education, and to create a future where every girl has the opportunity to attend school.

Quotes from workshop participants

• Mohammad Rasel Sheikh PPM (Bar), Superintendent of Police, Kishoreganj: "In today's interconnected world, education knows no bounds; it can transcend physical barriers and reach students in the haor region and beyond through digital means or other innovative pathways, empowering them with knowledge and opportunities."
• Abu Noor Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Deputy Director, Department of Secondary and Higher Education, Mymensingh Zone: "Girls in the haor region are not inherently backward; however, they undoubtedly require special attention and support to unlock their full potential. Let us join hands and uplift these girls, empowering them to shine brightly in every aspect of their lives."
• Dr. Saiful Islam, District Civil Surgeon, Kishoreganj: "We are taking significant initiatives to ensure proper health support for girls in the haor region, but there is a pressing need to further enhance our efforts. Their well-being deserves nothing less than the best."
• Mr. Murshed Alam Sarker, Executive Director of POPI: "We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Malala Fund Bangladesh for their unwavering support in promoting girls' education in the haor region. Their dedication has already made a significant impact, and we fervently hope that their support continues to uplift and empower these girls in their educational journey."
• Mr Musharraf Tansen, In-country Representative, Malala Fund Bangladesh: "We are committed to transforming the lives of girls in the haor region, but we recognize that achieving our ultimate goal requires collective action. Together, let us unite our efforts, break down barriers, and create a future where every girl in the haor region can thrive and fulfill her dreams."