THE SHAHLA GARAYEVA SCHOLARSHIP Joining Arzu Jaeed is Abbas Abbasov  (Ph.D. Candidate, Teachers College, Columbia University) a visionary, who has initiated a scholarship program dedicated to uplifting young Azerbaijani girls from underprivileged backgrounds. And Aygun (MA Università degli Studi di Siena, Department of Political and International Sciences), a passionate advocate, who joined hands with Abbas to further the mission of the Shahla Qarayeva Scholarship. Our discussion today will navigate through the intricacies of girls’ education, gender equality, and community involvement, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and collective effort that drives this noble cause. Key points:What motivated the creation of the scholarship for Azerbaijani girls?What is the role of cultural norms and religion in shaping gender disparities in education?How can we collectively shift the narrative around girls' education, emphasizing its importance beyond traditional expectations?What are the factors contributing to the gender gap in education?How does the scholarship ensure transparency and effective use of donations?How can you be part of this impactful mission?