Patna: A documentary based on a women-led grassroots movement in Bihar to keep girls in school and combat child marriage has won the United Nations SDG Action Award 2026 in the Creativity category. The film, Mothers of Courage, received the honour in Rome on Thursday, bringing global recognition to a community-driven initiative that has mobilised over 11.9 lakh people across rural India. It was selected from more than 7,000 entries from 190 countries and territories.The documentary, directed by Vandana R Jayakumar and produced by Butterfly Effect Media, chronicles the Shikshagraha movement and the efforts of women leaders working to ensure girls continue their education.In Bihar, the campaign has organised over 51,078 Shiksha Chaupals across 14 districts since October 2024, where mothers and community members discuss barriers to girls’ education and pledge to prevent school dropouts and child marriage.Receiving the award in Rome, Mantra4Change co-founder and Shikshagraha chief curator Khushboo Awasthi dedicated the honour to the mothers and women leaders driving change in their villages. Bihar head of the movement Urmila Kumari said, “Education is key to self-reliance and urged women to support one another so that no girl is forced to discontinue her studies.”The film has also earned international acclaim, including selection as India’s only entry in the Sustainable Development Goals category at Cannes Lions 2026 and the Best Inspirational Film award at the Los Angeles Film Awards 2026. It has also won honours at the Abby Awards and SABRE Awards and was shortlisted for the Mumbai International Film Festival 2026.
