The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship, a prestigious initiative by One Young World in collaboration with the Hauwa Ojeifo Global Impact Fund for Women & Girls, is designed to empower young leaders who are driving transformative change in addressing critical challenges faced by women and girls globally. Named after Hauwa Ojeifo, a Nigerian mental health advocate and One Young World Ambassador, this scholarship aims to amplify the voices of emerging leaders working on issues such as mental health, gender-based violence, child marriage, and disability rights. By providing access to the One Young World Summit 2025 in Munich, Germany, from November 3 to November 6, the scholarship equips recipients with resources, networks, and opportunities to scale their impact.
The scholarship covers all expenses associated with attending the One Young World Summit, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from participating. This includes travel costs (economy flights for international scholars or standard rail for those in Germany), accommodation in Munich for the duration of the Summit, all meals during the event, and transport between the accommodation and the Summit venue. Additionally, scholars gain lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community, a global network of over 17,000 young leaders, providing ongoing opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy.
Beyond attendance at the Summit, the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship offers unique post-Summit benefits to maximize the impact of its recipients. Scholars are enrolled in the Action Accelerator, a tailored program that provides expert-led mentoring to refine and scale their initiatives, whether they are running organizations, campaigns, or community projects. Furthermore, scholars have the opportunity to apply for grant funding of up to $25,000 to support their work, offering critical financial backing to sustain and expand their efforts in addressing systemic challenges faced by women and girls.
Eligibility for the scholarship is targeted yet inclusive, focusing on young leaders from specific regions and with demonstrated impact in key areas. Applicants must be nationals of countries in Africa, Asia or the Middle East and are typically aged 18 to 30, though exceptional candidates over 30 may be considered if they demonstrate significant leadership and impact. Candidates must lead or hold a leadership role in an organization, initiative, or project with a proven track record of impact in at least one of the following areas: mental health (including neurodivergence), domestic and sexual violence, child marriage, or disability rights and the rights of older people.
The application process is highly competitive, reflecting the scholarship’s commitment to identifying the most dedicated and impactful young leaders. Applicants must submit their applications in English by the deadline of June 29, 2025, through the One Young World website. While candidates may apply for multiple One Young World scholarships, they can only be awarded one, and preference is given to first-time Summit attendees over returning Ambassadors to broaden the program’s reach.
The selection criteria emphasize not only past achievements but also the potential for future impact. Successful applicants will demonstrate initiative, creativity, and a clear commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls. Due to the high volume of applications, individual feedback is not provided, but the selection process is designed to be rigorous and transparent, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are chosen.
The One Young World Summit itself is a transformative experience, bringing together young leaders from over 190 countries to collaborate on solutions to global challenges. The 2025 Summit in Munich will feature plenary sessions, workshops, and networking events with world-renowned speakers, including policymakers, business leaders, and activists. For Hauwa Ojeifo Scholars, this platform offers a unique opportunity to share their work, gain inspiration, and forge partnerships that can amplify their initiatives.
The Hauwa Ojeifo Global Impact Fund for Women & Girls, which supports the scholarship, was established to honor Hauwa Ojeifo’s legacy as a trailblazer in mental health advocacy and gender equality. Her work, particularly in Nigeria, has focused on destigmatizing mental health issues and supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, making her a powerful inspiration for the scholarship’s mission. By aligning with her vision, the scholarship seeks to create a ripple effect, empowering a new generation of leaders to drive systemic change.
For applicants, preparing a strong application is critical. Candidates should clearly articulate their leadership role, the measurable impact of their work, and their vision for how attending the Summit and accessing post-Summit resources will enhance their initiatives. Supporting documentation, such as impact reports, testimonials, or media coverage, can strengthen an application by providing evidence of the candidate’s contributions.
The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship is more than a funding opportunity; it is a call to action for young leaders to step forward and address some of the most pressing challenges facing women and girls today. By providing access to a global platform, expert mentorship, and financial support, the scholarship empowers recipients to create lasting change in their communities and beyond. Aspiring applicants are encouraged to visit the One Young World website for detailed application instructions and to submit their applications before the June 29, 2025, deadline.
For those interested in other One Young World opportunities, the organization offers a range of scholarships targeting various issues, such as climate change, education, and health equity. However, the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship stands out for its focus on women’s and girls’ rights, reflecting the urgent need to address gender-based challenges in regions where systemic barriers are most pronounced. Candidates are advised to carefully review eligibility criteria and ensure their applications align with the scholarship’s mission.
