Lighting the Path of Learning

Founded in 2007 by Safeena Husain, Educate Girls began as a small initiative in Rajasthan with a simple yet powerful mission — to ensure every girl child gets access to quality education. Over the years, the organisation has expanded its footprint across multiple states, empowering millions of girls who were once denied the right to learn.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called Asia’s Nobel Prize, recognized Educate Girls for its innovative model that blends community participation, data-driven interventions, and compassion.

A Movement Built by the People

Unlike many large-scale programs driven by external funding or urban leadership, Educate Girls thrives on grassroots strength. Its 55,000 trained volunteers, known as Team Balika, work tirelessly in remote villages — knocking on doors, convincing families to send girls to school, and supporting them to stay enrolled.

These volunteers, mostly local youth, have turned into champions of change. They represent the beating heart of the movement  ordinary people doing extraordinary work in the face of poverty, social stigma, and gender inequality.

Celebrating Collective Courage

Upon receiving the award, founder Safeena Husain expressed that the honour truly belongs to the volunteers who make education a lived reality for countless girls. She emphasized that Educate Girls is not just an organisation but a movement built on belief — the belief that education can break cycles of poverty and transform futures.

“This recognition belongs to every Team Balika member walking dusty village roads to ensure no girl is left behind,” Husain said.

More Than an Award  A Hope Renewed

The Magsaysay Award has not only validated Educate Girls’ vision but has also reignited global attention toward gender equity in education. In a world where millions of girls still struggle to claim their right to learn, this recognition stands as a reminder — that change begins when communities rise together, one classroom, one girl, and one dream at a time.