Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship for Young Leaders Driving Change for Women and Girls
The Hauwa Ojeifo Global Impact Fund for Women & Girls, in collaboration with One Young World, is providing the prestigious Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship to empower young changemakers addressing critical gender-based issues. This scholarship opportunity supports dynamic youth leaders advancing mental health, disability rights, reproductive health, and gender equality initiatives across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Key Scholarship Information
- Scholarship: Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship
- Award Amount: Fully funded participation in the One Young World Summit 2025 (including travel, accommodation, meals)
- Number of Awards: Multiple recipients
- Academic Level: Open to youth leaders (not tied to academic enrollment)
- Field of Study: Gender equality, mental health, disability rights, public health, and related fields
- Eligibility: Young leaders (18–30+) from Africa, Asia, or the Middle East with a proven impact in key thematic areas
About Hauwa Ojeifo and the Global Impact Fund
Hauwa Ojeifo is a renowned Nigerian mental health advocate and founder of She Writes Woman, an award-winning movement giving voice to individuals living with mental health and psychosocial disabilities. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD, Hauwa transformed her lived experiences into a national movement focused on inclusive health systems and human rights-based approaches to mental wellbeing.
Through her initiative, Hauwa has pioneered Nigeria’s first 24/7 mental health toll-free helpline, serving thousands of citizens. Her work has expanded into building online support communities, launching strategic advocacy workshops, and training new generations of human rights activists to lead change in mental health and disability policy. In 2024, she was selected by Melinda French Gates as one of twelve global leaders awarded a $20 million fund for her impactful contributions to women’s health and well-being.
The Hauwa Ojeifo Global Impact Fund for Women & Girls aims to strengthen systems of care and wellbeing for over 100 million women and girls by 2030. The scholarship initiative is one of its key vehicles to drive sustainable, community-led solutions on a global scale.
Scholarship Description
The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship provides full financial support to attend the One Young World Summit 2025, to be held in Munich, Germany from November 3–6, 2025. This life-changing opportunity equips emerging leaders with access to world-class mentoring, global networks, and financial resources to amplify their impact.
Scholars will benefit from lifelong inclusion in the One Young World Ambassador community, a platform comprising thousands of socially conscious leaders from over 190 countries. In addition, selected recipients will access the One Young World Action Accelerator program, receive expert-led mentorship, and have the opportunity to apply for grant funding up to $25,000 USD to scale their initiatives.
Eligibility Requirements
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is designed for young leaders who:
- Are aged between 18 and 30 (applications from individuals over 30 will be considered with strong justification)
- Reside in and actively create impact within Africa, Asia, or the Middle East
- Hold a leadership role or demonstrate a strong leadership contribution to an organization or initiative with proven impact in at least one of the following areas:
Eligible Thematic Focus Areas:
- Mental health (including neurodivergence and developmental differences)
- Disability rights and advocacy for older persons
- Sexual and gender-based violence (including domestic and sexual violence)
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights
- Gynecological and maternal health
- Girl child protection (including FGM, early pregnancy, child marriage)
- Non-communicable diseases impacting women and girls
Organizations that embed psychosocial support and a disability-inclusive lens in their programming are especially encouraged to apply.
Selection Criteria
Candidates will be assessed based on the following:
- Demonstrated impact in one or more of the eligible thematic areas
- Leadership capabilities and commitment to social justice
- Clarity of vision and alignment with the scholarship’s mission
- Potential for scalability and sustainability of their initiative
- Willingness to engage with the global One Young World community
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to provide the following:
- Completed application form (via the One Young World platform)
- Detailed personal statement outlining impact, leadership, and goals
- Proof of engagement in an active organization or initiative
- References or letters of recommendation are encouraged but not mandatory
- Optional: Media or supporting documentation showcasing your work
Award Benefits
The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship provides a comprehensive support package that includes:
- Full funding to attend the One Young World Summit 2025 (including travel, accommodation, and meals)
- Membership in the One Young World Ambassador community
- Access to expert-led mentorship through the One Young World Action Accelerator
- Eligibility to apply for up to $25,000 USD in follow-up funding
- Networking with over 2,000 global youth leaders, innovators, and changemakers
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the One Young World website and complete the online application for the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship. Applicants should prepare their documentation and statements in advance and ensure their application demonstrates measurable impact and leadership in the eligible themes.
Early applications are strongly encouraged due to the competitive nature of the program. Finalists may be invited for virtual interviews or additional information before final selection.
Empowering Future Leaders
This scholarship opportunity is more than financial aid—it is a gateway to global influence, connection, and social innovation. By uplifting passionate youth leaders, the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship reaffirms a bold commitment to gender equality, inclusive health systems, and human rights worldwide.
If you are a young leader driving positive change in your community, this could be the platform that launches your work onto the global stage.
