Applications are now open for the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education 2026. This international prize for women’s education offers an excellent opportunity for individuals, institutions, and organizations that work to promote girls’ and women’s education around the world. Each year, the UNESCO Prize recognizes two laureates who make outstanding contributions to advancing education for girls and women. Each selected laureate receives an award of US $50,000 to support and expand their work. If you are driving transformative change for girls’ and women’s education, this is your chance to submit your initiative and become a laureate of this prestigious United Nations Program. The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education highlights impactful projects that improve access to education and empower girls and women globally.
Despite significant progress in recent decades, many challenges still limit access to education for girls and women. Today, 133 million girls remain out of school, and women account for almost two-thirds of all adults who cannot read. In many parts of the world, factors such as cultural norms, stereotypes, wealth, ethnicity, and geographic location prevent girls and women from reaching their full potential. Therefore, gender equality must remain at the center of education policies, budgets, and development strategies. By promoting gender equality in education systems, creating safe and inclusive learning environments, and supporting collaboration across sectors, societies can ensure that girls and women gain equal opportunities to learn and succeed.
Moreover, the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education honors outstanding and innovative contributions that improve educational opportunities for girls and women. Funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Women’s education Prize supports initiatives that strengthen gender equality in education and improve the quality of life for women and girls worldwide. UNESCO awarded the Prize for the first time in 2016, and since then it has recognized impactful projects that create sustainable change in communities. Each year, an independent international jury evaluates nominations and recommends the best projects. So, if you are looking for UN programs, know that this international United Nations program continues to highlight successful initiatives that promote inclusive and equitable education for all.
More Details About the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education 2026
Number of Laureates: Two winners each year
Host Organization: UNESCO
