Deadline: May 12, 2026
The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education 2026 is now open for nominations, recognising outstanding initiatives that promote and advance educational opportunities for girls and women across the world.
Established by UNESCO, the prize highlights innovative and impactful programmes that help remove barriers to education for girls and women while promoting gender equality in learning environments.
Each year, two laureates are selected and awarded USD $50,000 each to support the expansion and sustainability of their initiatives. The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education 2026 aims to spotlight transformative work that improves access to quality education and empowers girls and women globally.
About the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education
The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education is one of the most prestigious international awards dedicated specifically to advancing gender equality in education.
The prize honours innovative projects and programmes that demonstrate measurable impact in improving access to quality education for girls and women. Through this initiative, UNESCO seeks to recognise organisations and individuals that are actively working to transform education systems and create inclusive learning opportunities.
The award also aims to encourage the scaling and replication of successful initiatives that contribute to long-term improvements in girls’ and women’s education worldwide.
Why the Prize Matters
Despite significant progress in recent decades, millions of girls and women around the world still face barriers to education.
Globally:
- Approximately 133 million girls remain out of school.
- Women represent nearly two-thirds of the world’s adult population who cannot read.
These challenges highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions that address gender disparities in education. Initiatives recognised by the UNESCO Prize help demonstrate effective approaches to overcoming these barriers and ensuring inclusive education systems.
By celebrating successful programmes, the prize encourages greater investment and commitment towards achieving gender equality in education.
Prize Value
The prize provides financial and global recognition to impactful initiatives.
Key details include:
- Number of laureates: 2
- Award amount: USD $50,000 per laureate
- Purpose of the award: To support and further develop projects that promote girls’ and women’s education
The financial award is intended to help laureates scale their work and extend the impact of their programmes.
Who Can Be Nominated
The prize is open to a wide range of actors working to advance education for girls and women.
Eligible nominees include:
- Individuals
- Institutions
- Organisations
However, nominations cannot be submitted directly by applicants themselves.
Eligible nominating bodies include:
- Governments of UNESCO Member States
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are in official partnership with UNESCO
Each nominating entity may submit up to three nominations.
Eligibility Criteria
Projects and programmes nominated for the prize must meet specific criteria.
Eligible initiatives must:
- Have been operational for at least two years
- Demonstrate clear and measurable impact
- Show innovation in addressing educational challenges
- Demonstrate sustainability
- Have the potential for replication or scaling in other regions
These criteria ensure that the prize recognises initiatives capable of creating lasting and widespread change in girls’ and women’s education.
Selection Process
All nominations are evaluated through a rigorous and transparent process.
An independent international jury composed of five experts reviews the submitted nominations and assesses them based on impact, innovation, and sustainability.
The jury then makes recommendations for the final laureates, who are officially designated by UNESCO.
Application Process
Nominations must be submitted through UNESCO’s online nomination platform.
Important application requirements include:
- Submissions must be made online
- Applications must be written in English or French
- Nominations must be submitted by authorised entities such as:
- National Commissions for UNESCO
- Permanent Delegations to UNESCO
- NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO
Applicants interested in being nominated are encouraged to contact the relevant nominating authority in their country.
Important Dates
Applicants and nominating organisations should take note of the following timeline:
- Call for nominations opens: 6 March 2026
- Application deadline: 12 May 2026 (midnight GMT+2)
- Award ceremony: 9 October 2026
The awards will be presented during celebrations marking the International Day of the Girl.
Impact of the Prize
The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education 2026 plays a vital role in recognising and amplifying initiatives that contribute to gender equality in education.
By highlighting successful projects from around the world, the prize helps:
- Promote best practices in education innovation
- Encourage governments and organisations to prioritise gender equality in education
- Support the scaling of impactful programmes
- Strengthen global efforts to ensure inclusive education for all
Through recognition and financial support, the prize empowers organisations and individuals to expand their work and inspire new solutions to educational challenges faced by girls and women.
Final Thoughts
The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education 2026 offers a valuable opportunity to recognise groundbreaking initiatives that are transforming education systems and empowering girls and women worldwide.
Organisations, institutions, and individuals working to improve access to education are encouraged to seek nomination through their national UNESCO bodies or partner organisations.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
Application Links
