A scene from the film.

The University Libraries will host a film screening of “Girl Rising” on March 19, at 6:30 p.m., in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library. A panel discussion with students will follow the screening. All are welcome to this free event, which will be introduced by the chair of the Commission for Women.

The film uses the power of storytelling to demonstrate how educating girls can transform societies. Around the world, millions of girls face barriers to education that boys do not. When you educate a girl, you can break cycles of poverty in just one generation. Removing barriers to girls’ education—such as early marriage, domestic slavery, sex trafficking, gender violence and discrimination, lack of access to healthcare, and school fees—means not only a better life for girls, but a safer, healthier, and more prosperous world for all.

This feature film, by Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins, spotlights the remarkable stories of nine girls around the world striving beyond circumstance and overcoming nearly insurmountable odds to achieve their dreams. More about the film is available at www.girlrising.com

The event is co-sponsored by the University Libraries and Mu Sigma Upsilon sorority.

For more information or if you anticipate needing accessibility accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Amanda Clossen at asc17@psu.edu and 814-863-7455.