China's Significant Role in Advancing Girls' and Women's Education Globally

China has made remarkable strides in promoting education for girls and women across the globe, particularly since the introduction of the UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education in collaboration with UNESCO in 2015. This initiative has recognized a total of 20 projects from 19 countries, benefiting over 6 million girls by providing them with better educational opportunities.

As the first UNESCO award specifically dedicated to the education of girls and women, this honor highlights China's long-term commitment to fostering female education worldwide. Funded by the Chinese government, the award is granted annually to two recipients, each receiving $50,000 to further their efforts in this crucial area.

On May 14, 2026, this commitment was once again emphasized when Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, met with Khaled El-Enany, the Director-General of UNESCO. As UNESCO’s Special Envoy for Girls’ and Women’s Education, Peng reaffirmed her dedication to continuing her role, enhancing collaboration with UNESCO, and promoting ongoing development in education for girls and women globally.

Domestic Progress in Education for Girls

Within China, the push for girls’ education has historical roots. In 1989, the National Chinese Women's Federation initiated the Spring Bud Project, aiming to improve educational access for girls from impoverished families. Since becoming the Special Envoy in 2014, Peng Liyuan has played a significant role in advocating for this project’s growth. In 2019, she launched the “Dreaming for the Future” campaign within the Spring Bud Project, aiming to modernize initiatives and help even more girls pursue education and achieve their dreams.

By the end of 2023, the project gathered 3.2 billion yuan (approximately $451 million) and supported 4.22 million girls across China’s 31 provincial regions, offering vocational training to over 527,000 girls and providing individualized support and mental health services to 190,000.

The global recognition of this project peaked in 2023 when it was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education, further underscoring its significance.

Statistics reflect China's significant progress in the realm of female education. Since 2018, the enrollment rate for children of school age has remained around 100%, with negligible differences between boys and girls. By 2024, women comprised 50.76% of university students, with those pursuing postgraduate education making up 50.01%. These statistics underscore how education has become a vital pillar for women's development in China.

Sharing Opportunities Globally

China’s efforts extend beyond its borders, assisting women and girls worldwide in gaining access to education and training opportunities. Through South-South cooperation, scholarship programs, and technical exchanges, China has trained over 200,000 female professionals from more than 180 countries and regions. Since 2018, more than 100 training initiatives aimed at women and children in developing countries have been launched.

Fajer Rabia Pasha, Executive Director of the Pakistan Alliance for Girls' Education, whose organization received the UNESCO award in 2023, emphasized that China's support has enabled women and girls in developing countries to access education, training, and leadership opportunities. She highlighted that through concrete actions, China has demonstrated that its development benefits not just its women, but women globally as well.

During the Women Leaders Global Summit held in Beijing last year, China announced an additional $10 million donation to UN Women over the next five years and pledged to invite 50,000 women to China for exchange and training programs.

In conclusion, as stated by El-Enany, UNESCO is grateful for China's invaluable support and looks forward to deepening cooperation toward further advancements in education for girls and women worldwide, fostering a brighter future for everyone.