The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship, delivered in partnership with the Hauwa Ojeifo Global Impact Fund for Women & Girls and One Young World, offers a transformative opportunity for emerging young leaders who are committed to advancing gender equity, mental health, and human rights across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
This fully funded scholarship supports individuals working on pressing global issues affecting women and girls—ranging from sexual and reproductive health and rights to mental health, gender-based violence, and disability inclusion. The scholarship not only offers access to the prestigious One Young World Summit 2025 but also provides post-summit support to scale and deepen the impact of selected changemakers.
Context and Purpose
Globally, gender equality remains far off track. The United Nations estimates that, at current rates, it will take 300 years to end child marriage, and nearly half of all married women still lack the power to make decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Mental health is another critical concern, particularly for women, who are more frequently exposed to psychosocial trauma and face systemic neglect in care and visibility.
The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship was established to address these complex and interrelated challenges. It supports young leaders who are courageously pushing boundaries to improve conditions for women and girls, particularly in underrepresented and under-resourced regions.
About Hauwa Ojeifo
Hauwa Ojeifo is a Nigerian mental health advocate and One Young World Ambassador. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD, she founded She Writes Woman, a pioneering movement that gives voice to people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities.
Her work includes:
- Running a 24/7 national helpline in Nigeria staffed by trained counselors.
- Building an online network of over 2,000 advocates for mental health and rights.
- Conducting workshops that teach strategic advocacy and human rights-based approaches to mental health and disability policy.
In 2024, Hauwa was recognized by Melinda French Gates as one of 12 global leaders awarded a share of a $20 million fund for advancing women’s health and well-being. Her leadership continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers.
What the Scholarship Offers
Recipients of the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship will receive:
- Full funding to attend the One Young World Summit 2025 in Munich, Germany (3–6 November 2025).
- Lifelong membership in the global One Young World Ambassador Community.
- Access to the Action Accelerator Programme, which includes expert-led mentoring to help turn ideas into impact.
- Eligibility for grant funding up to $25,000 USD for high-potential initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be aged 18 to 30 at the time of the summit.*
- Lead or play a key role in an initiative with proven impact in one or more of the following areas:
- Mental health, including neurodivergence and developmental differences
- Domestic and sexual violence
- Disability rights and older persons’ rights
- Gynecological, maternal, and child health
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights
- Non-communicable diseases
- Girl child issues (e.g. FGM, child marriage, adolescent pregnancy)
Applications from those over 30 may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional impact and engagement. Applicants under 18 are not eligible.
- Live in and make an impact within Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.
- Be passionate about integrating a psychosocial support and disability-inclusive lens in their programming.
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 29 June 2025
- Summit Dates: 3–6 November 2025, Munich, Germany
Interested applicants should apply via the official One Young World portal.
Why It Matters
This scholarship directly invests in grassroots and systemic change, equipping emerging leaders with the visibility, networks, and resources needed to influence both policy and practice. It serves as a platform for underrepresented voices, particularly those challenging the stigma surrounding mental health and advocating for disability-inclusive, gender-just solutions.
The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship exemplifies how lived experience can shape bold, informed, and empathetic leadership in the global development landscape.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
