Call for nominations for the 2026 UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education now open

Application Deadline: 12 May 2026

About the Prize

The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education honours outstanding and innovative contributions made by individuals, institutions, and organizations to advance girls’ and women’s education. Established in 2015 by UNESCO’s Executive Board, this Prize is the first UNESCO award of its nature and is unique in showcasing successful projects that improve and promote the educational prospects of girls and women, and in turn, the quality of their lives.

The Prize contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education and Goal 5 on gender equality. It supports UNESCO’s global priority to promote gender equality in and through education, recognizing that educating girls and women has a transformative effect on families, communities, and societies.

The Prize is funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China and has been awarded annually since 2016 to distinguished laureates from around the world.

Benefits of the Prize

Each year, the Prize recognizes two laureates who are making outstanding efforts in favour of girls’ and women’s education.

Each laureate will receive:

• An award of US$ 50,000
• International recognition for their work in advancing girls’ and women’s education
• Visibility through UNESCO’s global platforms and networks
• Opportunities to share their innovative approaches with a worldwide audience

The Prize serves not only as financial support but also as a catalyst for further action, inspiring others to replicate successful models and contribute to gender equality in education.

Why This Prize Matters

Girls’ and women’s education is one of the most powerful investments any society can make. Educated women are more likely to participate in the workforce, earn higher incomes, delay marriage and childbearing, and ensure their own children receive an education. Yet millions of girls and women around the world continue to face barriers to accessing quality education.

The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education shines a spotlight on the individuals and organizations working tirelessly to change this reality. By recognizing and rewarding their efforts, the Prize amplifies their impact, inspires others, and contributes to the global movement for gender equality in and through education.

Previous Laureates

Since its establishment, the Prize has honoured exceptional initiatives from around the world, including:

• Programmes promoting girls’ access to STEM education in Africa
• Community-based literacy initiatives for women in Asia
• Policy advocacy organizations advancing gender-equitable education in Latin America
• Innovative approaches to reaching marginalized girls in conflict-affected regions
• Teacher training programmes focused on gender-responsive pedagogy

These laureates demonstrate the power of dedicated action to transform educational opportunities for girls and women globally.

Eligibility Requirements

Nominations Process:

Nominations are made exclusively by:

• Governments of UNESCO Member States (through their National Commissions for UNESCO)
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO

Self-nominations are not possible. Individuals, institutions, or organizations cannot nominate themselves.

Nomination Criteria:

Nominating entities can propose up to three individuals, institutions, or organizations that meet the following criteria:

• Make strong, innovative contributions to girls’ and women’s education
• Demonstrate proven impact in advancing educational opportunities for girls and women
• Implement projects or programmes that are established, ongoing, and have been running for at least two years
• Show potential for replicability and scalability in other contexts
• Align with UNESCO’s global priorities and values

Eligible Projects and Initiatives:

Nominations may include work in various areas related to girls’ and women’s education, such as:

• Access to primary, secondary, or tertiary education
• Literacy and lifelong learning programmes
• STEM education for girls and women
• Teacher training and curriculum development
• Advocacy and policy influence
• Community engagement and awareness-raising
• Skills development and vocational training
• Addressing barriers such as child marriage, gender-based violence, or poverty

Selection Process

The Prize selection process involves multiple stages:

1. Nomination Submission: Eligible nominating entities submit nominations through the official UNESCO platform by the deadline
2. Technical Screening: UNESCO Secretariat reviews nominations for completeness and eligibility
3. Evaluation by International Jury: An independent, international jury of five experts evaluates nominations based on established criteria
4. Recommendation to Director-General: The jury submits its recommendations to the UNESCO Director-General
5. Final Decision and Announcement: The Director-General makes the final decision, and laureates are announced

Evaluation Criteria:

Nominations are assessed based on:

• Impact: Demonstrated results and measurable outcomes
• Innovation: Creative and original approaches
• Sustainability: Potential for long-term continuity
• Replicability: Ability to be adapted in other contexts
• Alignment with UNESCO priorities: Contribution to gender equality and education goals

Who Can Be Nominated

The Prize is open to:

• Individuals who have made exceptional contributions to girls’ and women’s education
• Institutions such as schools, universities, research centres, or training institutes
• Organizations including non-profits, civil society groups, foundations, or community-based organizations

Projects and initiatives from all regions of the world are welcome, with particular encouragement for nominations from developing countries and underrepresented regions.

Application Date and Process

Nominations must be submitted through the official UNESCO online platform by the nominating entity.

Required Information:

Nominations typically require the following:

• Contact details of the nominating entity
• Information about the nominee (individual, institution, or organization)
• Detailed description of the project or initiative
• Evidence of impact and results
• Supporting documentation (reports, publications, media coverage, etc.)
• Letters of endorsement or support (if applicable)

All nominations must be submitted through the official platform before the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Click here to apply

For More Information:  Visit the Official Webpage of the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education