On International Women’s Day 2026, UNESCO highlighted how literacy initiatives are empowering women and girls, demonstrating that education can be a powerful pathway to gender equality. The theme of this year’s celebration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls,” emphasizes ensuring that women and girls have the right to learn, express themselves freely, access information, participate fully in cultural and civic life, and remain safe in digital and public spaces.
BASAbali Wiki in Indonesia, awarded the 2019 UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, uses a multilingual digital platform to revitalize endangered languages while engaging young people, particularly women, in civic participation. Through workshops in communication, advocacy, and leadership, participants develop critical skills to influence policy and community initiatives. The programme has driven tangible outcomes, including mental health programs in schools, plastic waste reduction campaigns, sexual harassment prevention training, and environmental policy changes. BASAbali demonstrates that when women and girls have platforms, skills, and community support, they can challenge systemic barriers and lead meaningful change.
In Morocco, the Second Chance School and Inclusive Education programme, awarded the 2025 UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, focuses on preventing school dropout and reintegrating vulnerable youth, particularly girls. By creating safe, inclusive learning environments, providing remedial education, vocational training, and life-skills support, the programme empowers girls to overcome obstacles such as child marriage and gender-based violence. Partnerships with governmental and women’s organizations further reinforce psychosocial support and family mediation, ensuring girls can stay in school and access opportunities to develop their potential.
In Bangladesh, the Solar-powered Floating Schools programme by Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, also recognized with the 2025 UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, delivers education to girls in flood-prone regions. Floating schools and libraries provide safe spaces for learning, access to digital tools, and women educators as role models. The programme strengthens community trust in girls’ education and promotes freedom of expression, highlighting that literacy initiatives must adapt to local conditions to ensure equal access, particularly in climate-affected areas.
Since 1967, UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have celebrated innovative literacy programmes worldwide. The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize emphasizes mother-tongue literacy, while the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy focuses on functional literacy and leveraging technology to reach adults and out-of-school youth. These initiatives collectively demonstrate that advancing literacy for women and girls is not only a matter of education but a critical pathway to gender equality, empowerment, and societal transformation.
