In an era where gender equality remains an elusive goal, initiatives like the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship 2026 stand as beacons of hope and action. This prestigious scholarship, offered in partnership between One Young World and the Hauwa Ojeifo Global Impact Fund for Women & Girls, provides a fully funded opportunity for emerging young leaders to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. Scheduled from November 3 to 6, 2026, the Summit brings together thousands of young professionals, activists, and innovators from across the globe to address pressing global challenges.

The primary purpose of this article is to offer a comprehensive guide to the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship, drawing from official sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. As experts in international education and leadership development, we aim to equip potential applicants with the knowledge needed to navigate the application process ethically and effectively. All information presented here is based on details from the official One Young World website, and we strongly recommend verifying the latest updates directly on their platform or through authorized channels. This approach underscores our commitment to transparency and trustworthiness, aligning with best practices in educational advising.

The scholarship targets young leaders aged 18 to 30 (with flexibility for those slightly older demonstrating exceptional impact) who are actively working to mitigate disparities affecting women and girls. By focusing on interconnected issues such as mental health, gender-based violence, and reproductive rights, the program seeks to amplify voices from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In the following sections, we delve into the scholarship’s background, eligibility requirements, benefits, application procedures, and more, providing actionable insights to enhance your preparation.

The Global Context of Gender and Health Disparities

To fully appreciate the significance of the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship, it’s essential to understand the broader global landscape it addresses. According to the United Nations, progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) is alarmingly slow, with projections indicating that full equality may not be achieved for another 130 years at the current pace. Women and girls face compounded vulnerabilities: for instance, one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, and mental health disorders disproportionately affect females due to societal pressures, discrimination, and lack of access to care.

In regions like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, these challenges are exacerbated by cultural, economic, and political factors. Child marriage affects 1 in 5 girls globally, with rates as high as 76% in some Sub-Saharan African countries. Female genital mutilation (FGM) persists in over 30 countries, impacting 200 million women and girls. Non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, claim millions of lives annually, often due to inadequate screening and treatment for women. Maternal mortality remains a crisis, with 800 women dying daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.

The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship emerges as a strategic response to these issues, inspired by the visionary work of Hauwa Ojeifo, a renowned mental health advocate and One Young World Ambassador. Through her Global Impact Fund, Ojeifo aims to bolster health systems for 100 million women and girls by 2030. This scholarship, now in its second year, builds on this mission by investing in young leaders who can drive sustainable change at grassroots and policy levels.

About One Young World and the Summit

One Young World is a UK-based non-profit organization founded in 2009, dedicated to identifying and supporting the world’s most promising young talent. The annual Summit serves as a premier global forum, having hosted over 15,000 delegates from 190+ countries since its inception. Past speakers include luminaries like Kofi Annan, Muhammad Yunus, and Meghan Markle, emphasizing themes of leadership, innovation, and social impact.

The 2026 Summit in Cape Town will focus on collaborative solutions to global problems, with plenary sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Cape Town, known for its vibrant culture and history of resilience (from apartheid to modern-day activism), provides an inspiring backdrop. Attendees can expect immersive experiences, including site visits to local initiatives and interactions with corporate partners like Deloitte and BMW.

Participating in the Summit not only offers immediate learning but also long-term benefits through the One Young World Ambassador Community—a network of over 15,000 alumni who continue to collaborate on projects worldwide. For Hauwa Ojeifo Scholars, this means access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and a platform to scale their work.

Key Focus Areas of the Scholarship

The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship prioritizes initiatives aligned with specific themes, each critical to advancing women’s and girls’ rights. Below, we explore these areas in depth, providing context, statistics, and examples of impactful work. This expansion aims to help applicants align their experiences and articulate their contributions effectively.

Mental Health, Including Neurodivergence and Developmental Differences

Mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet women are 1.5 times more likely to experience anxiety and depression than men, per World Health Organization data. In low-resource settings, stigma and limited services exacerbate this gap. Neurodivergence, such as autism or ADHD, often goes undiagnosed in girls due to gender biases in diagnostic criteria.

Successful initiatives in this space include community-based counseling programs in India, where young leaders have trained peer educators to reduce suicide rates among adolescent girls. Applicants working on similar projects should highlight measurable outcomes, such as the number of individuals supported or policy changes advocated.

Domestic and Sexual Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) affects 35% of women globally, with higher prevalence in conflict zones across Africa and the Middle East. Survivors often face barriers to justice, including inadequate legal frameworks and cultural norms.

Innovative approaches include mobile apps for reporting incidents in Pakistan or survivor-led support groups in Kenya. The scholarship encourages applications from those implementing prevention strategies, like education campaigns or partnerships with law enforcement.

Disability Rights and the Rights of Older People

Women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience violence and poverty. Older women, comprising a growing demographic in Asia due to aging populations, often lack access to healthcare and social security.

Leaders in this field might focus on inclusive policies, such as advocating for accessible reproductive health services or elder care programs in rural China. Emphasize intersectionality—how disability intersects with gender and age—to strengthen your application.

Gynaecological Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Access to reproductive health services is fundamental, yet 225 million women in developing regions have unmet needs for contraception. Issues like endometriosis and cervical cancer remain underfunded.

Examples of impact include youth-led clinics in Egypt providing education on menstrual health or advocacy for abortion rights in Latin America-inspired models adaptable to the Middle East.

Maternal and Child Health

Maternal mortality ratios in Sub-Saharan Africa are 542 per 100,000 live births—far above the global average. Interventions like midwife training in Nigeria have shown promise in reducing these figures.

Applicants should detail scalable solutions, such as community health worker programs, and their alignment with global goals like the Every Woman Every Child initiative.

Issues of the Girl Child (FGM, Child-Adolescent Pregnancy, Child Marriage)

Child marriage disrupts education and health, perpetuating poverty cycles. FGM, prevalent in 31 countries, causes lifelong complications.

Grassroots efforts, like awareness campaigns in Somalia or alternative rites of passage in Kenya, demonstrate effective change. Highlight collaborations with NGOs or governments for greater authority.

Non-Communicable Diseases

NCDs account for 74% of global deaths, with women in low-income countries facing higher risks due to limited screening. Programs addressing breast cancer awareness in Jordan exemplify targeted action.

Organizations combining psychosocial support with disability-inclusive approaches are particularly encouraged, as they address holistic needs.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following standards, as outlined by One Young World:

• Be aged 18-30 at the time of the Summit (November 3-6, 2026). Exceptions may be made for those over 30 with proven exceptional impact and engagement potential.
• Hold a leadership role in an organization, project, or personal initiative demonstrating tangible results.
• Align work with at least one of the specified themes listed above.
• Reside in and create impact within Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.
• Commit to active participation in Summit activities and collaboration with fellow scholars.

There are no requirements for language proficiency tests like IELTS, and no application fees, making it accessible to a wide range of candidates. However, applicants should be prepared to provide references if longlisted. We advise cross-checking eligibility on the official One Young World application portal to ensure compliance with any updates.

Benefits of the Scholarship

Selected scholars—up to 16 in total—receive comprehensive support to maximize their Summit experience:

• Full access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, including all sessions, workshops, and networking events.
• Return economy flights from your home country to South Africa.
• Hotel accommodation for the duration of the Summit (November 3-6, 2026).
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) provided during the event.
• Ground transportation between accommodation and the venue.
• Lifetime membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community, offering ongoing networking and resources.
• Participation in the One Young World Global Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator for skill-building.
• Eligibility to apply for grant funding up to $25,000 USD to scale your project post-Summit.

These benefits extend beyond the event, fostering long-term career growth. For instance, alumni have secured partnerships with international organizations, launched ventures, and influenced policy. The grant opportunity is particularly valuable, requiring a separate application but prioritized for scholars demonstrating clear scalability plans.

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward and conducted online via the One Young World Scholarship Portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Access the Portal: Visit the official application page for the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship 2026. Create an account if you don’t have one.
2. Personal Information: Provide basic details, including name, age, contact information, and country of residence.
3. Professional Background: Describe your leadership role, organization or initiative, and its focus. Include a short bio highlighting your experience.
4. Impact Description: Detail your work’s alignment with the scholarship themes. Use specific examples, metrics (e.g., “Supported 500 women through counseling sessions”), and future vision.
5. Supporting Materials: Upload links to your work, such as websites, reports, or media coverage. Be prepared for references if advanced.
6. Additional Questions: Respond to prompts on challenges faced, motivations, and how the Summit will amplify your impact.
7. Submission: Review terms, confirm ethical compliance, and submit by the deadline of March 27, 2026.

Applications open on February 16, 2026. Early submission is recommended to allow time for revisions. Remember, all applications must be original; any plagiarism will disqualify candidates, aligning with our emphasis on integrity.

Tips for a Strong Application

Drawing from years of advising on international scholarships, here are actionable strategies to enhance your submission:

• Demonstrate Impact: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses. Quantify achievements where possible—e.g., “Reduced child marriage rates by 20% in my community through education programs.”
• Align with Themes: Clearly link your work to one or more focus areas. If your initiative spans multiple, explain intersections for added depth.
• Show Leadership: Highlight collaborative efforts, innovations, and resilience in overcoming obstacles. Personal stories add authenticity but keep them professional.
• Research and Prepare: Familiarize yourself with One Young World’s mission and past Summits. Reference how attending will contribute to your long-term goals.
• Seek Feedback: Have mentors review your application for clarity and coherence.
• Ethical Considerations: Ensure all information is truthful. If discussing sensitive topics like visas, advise consulting official immigration websites (e.g., South African Department of Home Affairs).

By following these tips, applicants can present a compelling case, increasing their chances of selection.

Potential Impact and Success Stories

While the 2026 cohort is yet to be announced, insights from previous years illustrate the scholarship’s transformative power. For example, inaugural scholars have reported enhanced networks leading to joint projects, such as a mental health app developed collaboratively across Asia and Africa.

Hypothetically, a scholar focusing on FGM might use Summit connections to partner with UNICEF, expanding their reach. The $25,000 grant has funded expansions like training programs for 1,000 health workers. These stories underscore the scholarship’s role in building authoritative leaders who drive measurable change.

Preparing for the Summit and Beyond

If selected, preparation is key. Research Cape Town’s culture and logistics—visas may be required; check official South African government sites for requirements. Pack professionally, anticipating diverse weather.

Post-Summit, engage actively in the Ambassador Community. Utilize the Action Accelerator for project refinement. Apply for the grant by outlining budgets, timelines, and impact metrics.

Conclusion

The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship 2026 represents a pivotal opportunity for young leaders to amplify their work on women’s and girls’ issues at the One Young World Summit. By providing fully funded access, lifelong networks, and potential funding, it empowers changemakers to contribute to a more equitable world.

Key takeaways include: Align your application with the themes, demonstrate proven impact, and commit to ethical practices. Verify all details with official sources to ensure accuracy. If you’re a dedicated leader from Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, this could be your catalyst for greater influence. Apply by March 27, 2026, and join the movement toward gender equality.