Call for Nominations: 2026 UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education

UNESCO has opened the call for nominations for the 2026 UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education, one of the organization’s flagship recognitions for advancing equality through learning. The Prize honours two outstanding laureates each year—individuals or organizations that have made remarkable contributions to the education of girls and women worldwide. Each laureate receives US$50,000 to further their efforts to empower learners and communities through education.

Driving transformative change

Despite global progress, significant challenges persist. Today, an estimated 133 million girls remain out of school, while women represent nearly two-thirds of adults who cannot read or write. Structural inequalities, entrenched stereotypes, poverty, and location-based barriers still limit access to quality education for millions.

UNESCO emphasizes that gender equality must be central to education systems—embedded in policies, budgets, curricula, and school cultures—to create truly inclusive and equitable societies. This means promoting inclusive learning environments, supporting intersectoral collaboration, fostering safe and transformative educational spaces, and prioritizing the needs of the most marginalized.

Who can be nominated?

Nominations for the Prize may be made by:

Governments of UNESCO Member States, or
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO.

Each may nominate up to three individuals, institutions, or organizations demonstrating innovative and impactful initiatives in girls’ and women’s education.

Self-nominations are not permitted.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact their country’s National Commission or Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, or an NGO in official partnership with UNESCO, to learn about nomination procedures and eligibility.

Eligibility and criteria

Projects nominated must:

Have been established and operational for at least two years.
Show evidence of impact, innovation, and sustainability.
Demonstrate the potential to be replicated and scaled in other contexts.

An independent international jury of five experts will review the nominations against these criteria. The Director-General of UNESCO will announce the laureates based on the jury’s recommendations.

Submission details

Deadline: 12 May 2026 (by midnight, GMT+2)
Languages: English or French
Submission platform: Online system accessible to National Commissions, Permanent Delegations, and partner NGOs

The award ceremony will take place on 9 October 2026, coinciding with the International Day of the Girl celebrations.