Gender equality in education is a basic right and a prerequisite to build inclusive societies. Although notable progress has been made over the last 20 years, 16 million girls will never set foot in a classroom (UNESCO Institute for Statistics).

The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education honours outstanding innovation and contributions made by individuals, institutions and organizations to advance girls’ and women’s education. It is the first UNESCO Prize of this nature and will be unique in showcasing successful projects that improve and promote the educational prospects of girls and women and in turn, the quality of their lives.

Supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Prize is conferred annually to two laureates and consists of an award of USD 50,000 each to further their work in the area of girls’ and women’s education.

Individuals, institutions or organizations having effectively contributed to the advancement of girls’ and women’s education. Nominations must relate to an established project or programme, and meet the eligibility criteria.
Nominations can be submitted to the Director-General of UNESCO by Governments of Member States via their Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, and by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO can each make up to three nominations.

Nominations have to be submitted in the online system by the concerned Permanent Delegations to UNESCO or the NGO by midnight of 5 May 2017.

Link: UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education