In a historic moment for Indian non-profits, the Foundation to Educate Girls Globally, widely known as Educate Girls, has been named a 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee. The announcement, made by the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation on September 1, 2025, recognizes the organization’s transformative work in mobilizing community and government resources to advance girls’ education in rural and educationally disadvantaged areas of India. Often dubbed Asia’s Nobel Prize, the award celebrates Educate Girls’ relentless commitment to empowering young girls through education, breaking the cycle of illiteracy and poverty—one girl at a time.
A Journey Rooted in Rajasthan
Founded in 2007 by Safeena Husain in Rajasthan, Educate Girls has grown into a beacon of hope for millions of girls across India. Over the past 18 years, the organization has worked tirelessly in over 30,000 villages, enrolling more than 2 million girls back into school and supporting 2.4 million children with remedial learning programs. By forging strong partnerships with communities and government bodies, Educate Girls has addressed systemic barriers such as poverty, household responsibilities, and societal biases that often prevent girls from accessing education.
The organization’s motto, “one girl at a time,” encapsulates its grassroots approach. Through community mobilization, personalized support, and innovative programs, Educate Girls ensures that each girl receives the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. This mission has not only transformed individual lives but also sparked a broader societal shift toward recognizing girls’ education as a fundamental right
A Personal Mission, A Global Impact
For Safeena Husain, the founder of Educate Girls, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is both a professional milestone and a deeply personal triumph. Reflecting on the announcement, Husain shared, “When they announced Educate Girls had been chosen, I was crying. The last 18 years flashed before my eyes. It was emotional and overwhelming,” she told The Times of India. Her own journey fuels her passion for the cause. “My schooling was interrupted for three years, but a woman supported me, took me into her home, and encouraged me to return. That changed my life—I became the first in my family to study abroad at the London School of Economics.”Husain’s personal experience of overcoming educational barriers drives Educate Girls’ mission to ensure no girl is left behind. By addressing challenges like household chores, early marriage, and financial constraints, the organization creates tailored solutions that empower girls to reclaim their right to education.
Scaling Dreams for a Brighter Future
The Ramon Magsaysay Award, set to be presented in Manila on November 7, 2025, is not just a recognition of past achievements but a catalyst for bigger dreams. Husain, with characteristic humor, noted, “The bad news of winning an award like this is that it makes you dream bigger.” Educate Girls has set an ambitious goal to reach 10 million learners over the next decade, including older girls who missed earlier opportunities for education. The organization also plans to expand into new regions, including India’s Northeast, to bring its transformative model to even more underserved communities.By deepening government partnerships and embedding community-led solutions, Educate Girls aims to scale its impact while staying true to its core mission. “We remain committed to breaking the cycle of illiteracy and poverty for girls,” Husain said. “By scaling our programs and fostering a societal shift in valuing girls’ education, we strive to create a brighter, more equitable future.”
A Legacy of Change, One Girl at a Time
The 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award marks a historic achievement for Educate Girls, making it the first Indian non-profit to receive this prestigious honor. The award celebrates the organization’s unwavering dedication to empowering girls through education and its ripple effect on communities across India. As Educate Girls continues to grow, its vision remains clear: to transform lives, uplift communities, and build a more inclusive future, one girl at a time.With its bold ambitions and proven impact, Educate Girls is not just changing the narrative for girls’ education in India—it is rewriting the future for millions.