Empowering Out-of-School Girls: The Mission of Educate Girls

02 Sep, 2025
491

1. WHAT IS Educate Girls?

Educate Girls is a non-profit organisation from India that started in Rajasthan. Its mission is to enrol out-of-school girls—especially from rural and remote areas—into classrooms and ensure they continue their education until they gain the skills and credentials needed for higher studies and meaningful employment.

2. WHY DID EDUCATE GIRLS RECEIVE THE AWARD?

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation honoured Educate Girls for its innovative work in tackling gender inequality in education. By identifying underserved communities and working to both enrol and retain girls in school, the NGO has created a ripple effect that strengthens families, empowers communities, and benefits society at large.

3. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS RECOGNITION?

Educate Girls is the first Indian non-profit to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Founder Safeena Husain described it as a “historic moment” that highlights India’s people-powered movement for girls’ education. The recognition showcases how change that began with one girl in a remote village has expanded to reshape entire communities.

4. WHO ELSE WON THE 2025 AWARD?

Alongside Educate Girls, the other 2025 awardees are:

Shaahina Ali from the Maldives, recognised for her environmental initiatives.
Flaviano Antonio L. Villanueva from the Philippines, honoured for his human rights activism.

5. WHAT DOES THE RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARD REPRESENT?

Established in 1958, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is often regarded as Asia’s highest honour. It celebrates “greatness of spirit and transformative leadership” across the continent. More than 300 individuals and organisations have been recognised for their impactful contributions, making it one of the most prestigious awards in the region.

6. HOW DID EDUCATE GIRLS RESPOND TO THE HONOUR?

Gayatri Nair Lobo, CEO of Educate Girls, called the award “historic and humbling.” She noted that the honour belongs not only to the organisation, but also to the girls, staff, volunteers, donors, and government partners. The NGO credited the determination of girls striving for education as the true foundation of this achievement.

SYNOPSIS

Educate Girls, a grassroots NGO that began in Rajasthan, has been awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 for its efforts to enrol and retain out-of-school girls in education. This milestone recognition—the first for an Indian non-profit—highlights the power of community-driven action in transforming lives. Alongside Educate Girls, changemakers from the Maldives and the Philippines were also honoured. The Ramon Magsaysay Award continues to celebrate leadership that uplifts and empowers societies across Asia.