The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education 2026 is now accepting nominations for initiatives that drive transformative change in education for girls and women. Despite decades of progress, 133 million girls remain out of school and women still account for nearly two-thirds of all adults who cannot read. Barriers such as gender norms, cultural stereotypes, wealth, ethnicity, and location continue to prevent girls and women from reaching their full potential, highlighting the urgent need for gender equality to be central in education policies, budgets, and planning.
The Prize seeks to recognize projects that promote gender equality through inclusive curricula, safe learning spaces, cross-sector collaboration, and investment in marginalized communities. Eligible nominees must demonstrate strong, innovative contributions to advancing girls’ and women’s education and show potential for replicability and scalability. Projects must have been operational for at least two years.
Nominations can only be submitted by governments of UNESCO Member States or NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO, with up to three candidates per nominator. Self-nominations are not permitted. Interested candidates should contact their National Commission for UNESCO, Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, an official partner NGO, or the Prize Secretariat for guidance.
An independent international jury of five experts will evaluate submissions based on impact, innovation, and sustainability. Nominations must be submitted in English or French via an online platform accessible only to eligible nominators. The deadline for submissions is 12 May 2026 (midnight, GMT +2). Based on the jury’s recommendations, the UNESCO Director-General will announce the laureates, and the award ceremony will take place on 9 October 2026, during the International Day of the Girl celebrations.
