On August 31, 2025, Educate Girls made history as the first Indian organisation to win the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. Founded in 2007 by Safeena Husain, the NGO has transformed education for millions of out-of-school girls in India’s remotest regions.
Starting in Rajasthan’s desert villages, Educate Girls has enrolled over 2 million girls, expanded to 30,000+ villages, and achieved a school retention rate of 90%. Its pioneering Development Impact Bond (2015) drew global attention, while the Pragati programme has helped more than 31,500 young women resume education.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation recognised Educate Girls for breaking cultural stereotypes and empowering girls through education, courage, and skills.
Often called the “Asian Nobel Prize”, the award was established in 1957 to honour exemplary public service. Past Indian recipients include Arvind Kejriwal, Bezwada Wilson, Ravish Kumar, and Sonam Wangchuk.
This recognition of Educate Girls underscores the power of grassroots innovation in driving long-lasting social change and educational equity.
