China's Commitment to Advancing Global Education for Girls and Women

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of education, especially for girls and women, cannot be overstated. Since its establishment of the UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education in 2015, China has made profound contributions to advancing education for girls globally, underlining its commitment to equality and empowerment.

In total, about 20 projects from 19 countries have been recognized through this prestigious award, benefiting over six million girls worldwide by enhancing their educational opportunities. As the first UNESCO prize dedicated to girls' and women's education, it reflects China's long-term dedication to this cause.

Funded by the Chinese government, the award is presented annually to two recipients, each receiving $50,000 to further their impactful work. This initiative was notably reinforced when Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and UNESCO’s special envoy for women’s education, met with UNESCO Director-General, Khaled El-Anany, in Beijing. During this meeting, she emphasized her commitment to continuing her role and collaborating closely with UNESCO to foster progress for girls and women’s education.

Domestic Progress in Education

China's journey toward gender equality in education took a significant step forward with the launch of the Spring Bud Project in 1989, spearheaded by the All-China Women’s Federation. This initiative aimed to enhance educational access for girls from impoverished families. Since Peng Liyuan took on the role of special envoy for this project in 2014, she has championed its development further.

In 2019, she unveiled the “Dream for Future” initiative of the Spring Bud Project, a renewed program designed to assist a greater number of girls in completing their education and realizing their aspirations. As of the end of 2023, the project had garnered an impressive 3.2 billion yuan (about $451 million), providing support to over 4.22 million girls across all 31 provincial regions and 56 ethnic groups. Through this support, professional training programs for 527,000 girls were offered, along with personalized communication services and psychiatric support for 190,000 girls.

The efficacy of this initiative has been globally recognized, exemplified by its receipt of the UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women’s Education in 2023. Furthermore, statistics illustrate China's commitment to gender parity in education, with the net enrollment rate of children at nearly 100% and minimal gender disparity between boys and girls since 2018. In 2024, women constituted 50.76% of university students and 50.01% of graduate students, a clear indication of the progress being made.

Sharing Opportunities Globally

China's efforts to expand educational access are not limited to its borders. Through South-South cooperation, scholarships, and technical exchanges, China has trained more than 200,000 women professionals from over 180 countries and regions. Since 2018, more than 100 educational programs aimed at women and children in developing countries have been initiated.

Fajer Rabia Pasha, Executive Director of the Pakistan Alliance for Girls' Education, which received the UNESCO award in 2023, noted that China’s initiatives have considerably enhanced educational access and opportunities for women in developing nations. She acknowledged China’s actions reflect its commitment to benefiting not only Chinese women but also women worldwide.

During a global leaders' meeting on the status of women held in Beijing last year, China announced a $10 million contribution to UN Women, set to benefit women’s educational programs over the next five years. Additionally, China intends to invite 50,000 women to participate in exchange and training programs.

On Tuesday, El-Anany expressed UNESCO’s gratitude toward China for its invaluable support, emphasizing the importance of continuing collaboration for the advancement of girls' and women's education globally. As countries recognize the essential role of education in shaping the future, China stands at the forefront, demonstrating that empowering girls and women is a requisite for global progress.