One Young World Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded to Cape Town, South Africa)

The 2026 One Young World Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for emerging young leaders committed to advancing the rights, health, and well-being of women and girls.

Now in its second year, the scholarship supports young changemakers working to address urgent and interconnected challenges such as gender-based violence, child marriage, mental health disparities, reproductive health access, and systemic inequalities affecting women and girls.

The scholarship is delivered in partnership with the Hauwa Ojeifo Global Impact Fund for Women & Girls, led by award-winning mental health advocate and One Young World Ambassador Hauwa Ojeifo. The Fund aims to strengthen systems of care for 100 million women and girls by 2030.

Sixteen outstanding young leaders will be selected to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.

Who Should Apply?

The scholarship is open to young leaders who:

• Are 18–30 years old at the time of the Summit
  (Applicants over 30 may be considered based on exceptional impact)
• Live and make an impact in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East
• Hold a leadership role, work within an organisation, or lead their own initiative
• Demonstrate proven impact in at least one of the following focus areas:

Thematic Areas

• Mental Health (including neurodivergence and developmental differences)
• Domestic & Sexual Violence
• Disability Rights & Rights of Older People
• Gynaecological Health & Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights
• Maternal and Child Health
• Girl Child Outcomes (FGM, Child Marriage, Adolescent Pregnancy)
• Non-Communicable Diseases

Applicants must also demonstrate willingness to collaborate with fellow scholars and engage actively in the One Young World community.

ALSO APPLY FOR:
World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 Pitch Competition (Fully Funded to Washington, D.C.)

Scholarship Benefits

Selected Hauwa Ojeifo Scholars will receive:

• Fully funded participation at the One Young World Summit 2026 (November 3–6, Cape Town)
• Hotel accommodation during the Summit
• Return economy flights to Cape Town
• Catering (breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the Summit)
• Local transportation between the accommodation and the Summit venue
• Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community
• Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Program and Action Accelerator
• Opportunity to apply for grant funding of up to $25,000 USD

This scholarship provides not only funding but also access to a global platform, mentorship, and long-term leadership development opportunities.

Why Apply?

The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship offers:

• A fully funded global leadership experience
• Access to international policymakers, entrepreneurs, and social innovators
• Grant funding opportunities to scale impact
• Membership in a global network of changemakers

For young leaders working to advance the rights and well-being of women and girls, this is a powerful opportunity to amplify impact on a global stage.

Apply for the One Young World Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship