The In Solidarity With Girls: Gender and education in crisis policy brief series was developed through a series of intergenerational dialogues on gender, education and COVID-19. The contents of this paper and its recommendations belong to the young women activists featured in each brief. Drawing on the ‘build back equal’ principle, this brief contributes to policy dialogues and discussions on (1) how we can plan for and work towards more equal, gender-responsive school systems once restrictions are lifted, and (2) achieve this through meaningful partnership with youth and youth-led networks.