Call for Submissions: Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship

Deadline: 27-Mar-2026

The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship by One Young World supports young leaders from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East who are addressing urgent challenges affecting women and girls. Scholars receive full access to the One Young World Summit 2026, lifelong ambassador membership, leadership development programs, and potential grant funding of up to USD 25,000, along with travel, accommodation, and meals. Applications are open for candidates aged 18–30 demonstrating measurable impact in priority areas.

Overview

The scholarship is designed to support emerging changemakers committed to tackling issues affecting women and girls worldwide. Delivered in partnership with the Hauwa Ojeifo Global Impact Fund for Women & Girls, it provides young leaders with the knowledge, tools, and global platform to lead transformative action across multiple sectors.

Priority Focus Areas

• Mental health, including neurodivergence and developmental differences

• Domestic and sexual violence prevention and intervention

• Disability rights and rights of older people

• Gynaecological health and sexual and reproductive health and rights

• Maternal and child health

• Issues affecting the girl child: FGM, child–adolescent pregnancy, and child marriage

• Non-communicable diseases

Programme Benefits

• One Young World Summit 2026: Full access to the event in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3–6 November

• Global Ambassador Network: Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community

• Leadership Development: Access to global leadership and action accelerator programmes

• Funding Opportunity: Potential grants of up to USD 25,000 for eligible initiatives

• Travel and Logistics: Economy return flights, hotel accommodation, daily meals, and local transport during the Summit

Who is Eligible?

• Young leaders aged 18–30 at the time of the Summit; exceptional candidates above 30 may be considered

• Residing and creating impact in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East

• Holding a leadership role or championing an initiative with proven measurable impact aligned with the scholarship themes

• Actively contributing to initiatives demonstrating commitment to the priority focus areas

• Willing to collaborate with fellow scholars and engage in the One Young World community

How to Apply

1. Submit your application through the official One Young World portal.

2. Prepare information demonstrating:

   • Leadership role and measurable impact of your initiative

   • Alignment with one or more priority focus areas

   • Willingness to collaborate and engage in the global network

3. Longlisted candidates may be asked to provide references and additional documentation.

4. Submit by the application deadline: 27 March 2026.

Selection Process and Criteria

• Evaluation focuses on demonstrated impact, leadership potential, and initiative alignment with priority areas

• Candidates are assessed on their commitment to engagement within the wider One Young World community

• Sixteen scholars will be selected for the 2026 cohort

Common Tips and Mistakes

• Tip: Highlight measurable outcomes and evidence of impact in your initiative.

• Tip: Demonstrate collaboration skills and community engagement.

• Mistake: Applying if under 18 at the time of the Summit.

• Mistake: Failing to clearly align your initiative with the scholarship’s priority focus areas.

• Mistake: Not submitting through the official portal or missing the deadline.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible to apply? Young leaders aged 18–30 from Africa, Asia, or the Middle East with proven impact in priority focus areas.
2. What is included in the scholarship? Summit access, ambassador membership, leadership programs, potential grant funding, travel, accommodation, meals, and local transport.
3. How many scholars will be selected? Sixteen young leaders for the 2026 cohort.
4. Can candidates over 30 apply? Yes, if they demonstrate exceptional impact and engagement.
5. What areas of impact are prioritized? Mental health, domestic/sexual violence, disability rights, reproductive health, maternal/child health, girl child issues, and non-communicable diseases.
6. When is the application deadline? 27 March 2026.
7. Are references required? Longlisted applicants may be asked to provide references and additional documentation.

Conclusion

The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship empowers young leaders to create transformative impact for women and girls across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. By combining access to the One Young World Summit, global networks, leadership programs, and potential funding, selected scholars are equipped to scale their initiatives, strengthen community engagement, and drive lasting social change.

For more information, visit One Young World.