Safeena Husain, the founder of Educate Girls, is redefining what it means to fight for education in India. From her own interrupted schooling in Delhi to leading one of the country’s most innovative nonprofit programs, Husain’s journey exemplifies resilience, vision, and the transformative power of education.
In 2023, she became the first Indian woman to receive the WISE Prize for Education, and in 2024 she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the London School of Economics, recognising her work in advancing gender equity through learning.
Husain’s early experiences shaped her mission. Growing up, she faced societal pressures and limited opportunities, with marriage often presented as the only viable path for girls who faltered academically. It was the guidance of her aunt that encouraged her to return to education, a decision that led her to the London School of Economics and ultimately transformed how she was perceived: from “a failure” to a capable, intelligent young woman. This personal journey became the blueprint for Educate Girls, a nonprofit dedicated to reaching out-of-school girls in India’s most underserved communities.
The organisation’s flagship model, Team Balika, is rooted in mentorship and volunteerism. Volunteers from the local community identify girls not in school, engage families, and create village-level support networks. Husain emphasises that mindset change is at the heart of her work. “The root cause of gender issues is mindset,” she explains. Educating girls is only one part of the equation; it is equally important to educate the gatekeepers- the family, community leaders, and influencers- so that support for the girl’s education comes from within the community. “Mera Gaon, Meri Samaj, Meri Samadhan,” she says: the model must be community-owned to succeed.
Educate Girls also addresses the challenge of secondary education access. Many girls drop out after grade eight due to distance, marriage pressures, or societal expectations. The Pragati Second Chance program brings education to their doorstep through village-based learning camps, helping girls who have been out of school for years to catch up and even complete the 10th grade. Beyond academics, the program instills life skills, digital literacy, and career awareness, preparing young women for employment, further education, or entrepreneurial opportunities. Tracking outcomes rigorously, the organisation ensures that 50–60% of participants progress into meaningful pathways.
Husain has faced formidable challenges, particularly around changing entrenched social mindsets where girls are often seen as liabilities. Overcoming such barriers requires patience and long-term engagement; Educate Girls commits to six-to-eight-year interventions in villages, shaping entire generations.
Educate Girls became the first organization to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Husain reflects, “This recognition belongs to the grit and resilience of the girls themselves.” She recalls an 18-year-old who resumed her education after a decade-long gap due to early marriage; her story was the first that came to Husain’s mind upon hearing the news.
For young girls worldwide, Husain’s message is clear: believe in yourself, embrace resilience, and never give up, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
