Educate Girls is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing girls’ education. This NGO is honoured with 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award. This award is Asia’s highest recognition for social impact. This marks the first time an Indian organisation has received this prestigious accolade.
A Historic Win for Girls’ Education in India
The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation recognised Educate Girls for its transformative community-powered model. It that has helped over 2 million girls return to school across India. The organisation is lauded for addressing deep-rooted gender stereotypes. And promoting the education of girls and young women, empowering them with knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Founded with a Vision: Educating the Last Girl
Ramon Magsaysay Award to Educate Girls
Established in 2007 by social entrepreneur Safeena Husain, Educate Girls began with a simple, bold idea. This was to ensure that every girl in every village receives her right to education. What started in a remote village has today grown into a national movement.
Operating across 30,000+ villages, Educate Girls has mobilised more than 55,000 Team Balika volunteers. It has supported 2.4 million children with remedial learning. Also built strong partnerships with government bodies to align with national education goals.
A Model for Global Replication
Educate Girls aims to reach 10 million learners in the next decade. Its successful, replicable model is now gaining attention from global development practitioners. The NGO is demonstrating how grassroots participation and government alignment can create sustainable change.
Award Ceremony Scheduled for November 7, 2025
The 67th Ramon Magsaysay Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held on 7 November 2025 in Philippines. Educate Girls will be formally recieve its award medallion and certificate in front of an esteemed international audience.
About the Ramon Magsaysay Award
Ramon Magsaysay Award to Educate Girls
Instituted in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is often referred to as “Asia’s Nobel Prize.” Named after the beloved Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, the award honours individuals and organisations in Asia who demonstrate selfless service, integrity, and transformative leadership in addressing societal issues.
Previous Indian recipients include legends such as:
- Vinoba Bhave (1958)
- M.S. Subbulakshmi (1974)
- Satyajit Ray (1967)
- Kiran Bedi (1994)
A Milestone for India and Global Education
Educate Girls’ Ramon Magsaysay Award win is not just a recognition of its past success but a beacon of hope and possibility for the future of gender equality, education, and social change. It reaffirms that investing in girls’ education is one of the most powerful, sustainable tools to combat poverty, uplift communities, and transform nations.
As the organisation continues its journey to reach millions more, this award serves as a reminder of what’s possible when people come together to break barriers, one girl at a time.
