Every powerful movement for change has always begun with individuals brave enough to challenge the status quo.

Today, some of the most pressing issues affecting women and girls—like child marriage, sexual violence, and unequal access to healthcare—are being tackled by bold, young voices across the globe.

The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship is one opportunity that’s stepping in to help those voices grow louder and more impactful.

This scholarship isn’t just about financial support—it’s about nurturing young changemakers who are already doing the work in their communities and giving them the tools, visibility, and support network to go further.

What the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship Is All About

Named after mental health advocate Hauwa Ojeifo, the scholarship was created to uplift young leaders committed to solving the deeply rooted and overlapping challenges facing women and girls.

Whether it’s addressing disability rights, ending gender-based violence, or improving reproductive healthcare, this initiative helps emerging leaders drive real change.

By joining the global One Young World Summit through this scholarship, recipients gain access to a powerful platform—meeting other passionate individuals, sharing ideas, and learning from the world’s top minds.

Who the Scholarship Is Looking For

This opportunity is tailor-made for young leaders between the ages of 18 and 30 who are already involved in meaningful work and want to scale up their impact.

Whether you’re leading your own organization or playing a key leadership role in an initiative, you could be the perfect fit—especially if your work focuses on one or more of the following themes:

Mental health, including neurodivergence and developmental differences
Domestic and sexual violence
Disability rights and advocacy for older people
Gynecological and reproductive health
Maternal and child health
Issues affecting the girl child, such as FGM, early pregnancy, and child marriage
Non-communicable diseases

One Young World is especially interested in projects that integrate psychosocial support and take a disability-inclusive approach to the challenges they’re solving.

Where You Should Be Making an Impact

This scholarship prioritizes individuals living and creating change in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.

These are regions where many of these issues are particularly urgent, and where local leadership can make a transformative difference.

A Note About Age Limits

While most scholarship recipients are between 18 and 30, the team behind One Young World understands that impactful leaders don’t always fit into a perfect age box.

So if you’re over 30 and have a powerful story to tell with tangible results to show, your application will still be considered.

However, applicants under 18 won’t be eligible, as the Summit requires adult participants.

Ready to Change the World?

If this sounds like you—or someone you know—this is more than just a scholarship.

It’s a door to global advocacy, collaboration, and leadership.

The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship is about believing in young leaders and giving them the space to shine where it matters most.

Want to take the next step? Stay tuned to the One Young World website for full application details.