Bihar-Based Women’s Movement Gets Global Recognition at UN SDG Action Awards 2026

The film titled ‘Mothers of Courage’ has been awarded the United Nations SDG Action Award 2026 in the Creativity category. This is an award given in Rome, Italy, for the incredible effort put in by the women leaders of the grassroots-led women’s initiative to encourage education for girls and stop child marriage in Bihar, India.

Highlights of the UN SDG Action Award 2026

The documentary won the award after being picked from over 7000 entries from 190 countries and regions.

It focuses on the Shikshagraha movement led by women leaders who work with families and communities to ensure girls don’t drop out of school. It was directed by Vandana R Jayakumar and produced by Butterfly Effect Media.

This award is to recognise that creative storytelling was used to showcase grassroots initiatives to educate and empower girls.

What is the Shikshagraha Movement?

The Shikshagraha movement is a community-led initiative to improve education.

It works by involving mothers and community members to find ways to improve education for girls.

Since October 2024 the Shikshagraha campaign has held over 51,078 Shiksha Chaupals in India. These community meetings have brought mothers and community members together to discuss the issues facing education and commit to ensuring girls don’t drop out of school.

This has involved over 11.9 lakh people from rural areas of India.

Role of Women Leaders

The documentary showcases how mothers and women leaders have played a part in encouraging change within their communities.

Khushboo Awasthi, Co-founder of Mantra4Change and Chief Curator of Shikshagraha, said during the award ceremony in Rome: “I’d like to dedicate this award to the incredible mothers and women leaders who are helping to create change in their villages.”

Urmila Kumari, Bihar Head of the movement, has emphasised how important it is for women to be educated to become independent. She encourages women to support each other to ensure no girl has to stop studying.

International Recognition

The documentary was recognised in many international and national platforms before winning the UN SDG Action Award 2026.

The film has,

• Won India’s sole submission in the Sustainable Development Goals category at Cannes Lions in 2026.
• Won Best Inspirational Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards 2026.
• Been recognised in the Abby Awards.
• Been recognised in the SABRE Awards.
• Shortlisted for the Mumbai International Film Festival 2026.

As a result of these awards, the Shikshagraha movement has become more well known and highlights how important it is for communities to get involved in educating girls.