Behind every victory for girls’ rights are young women who know exactly what needs changing — and how. Seven young leaders on Malala Fund’s advisory council bring lived expertise to help shape our work.
Girls are the experts of their own experience — and they want to make their voices heard on the issues that affect them most. Yet too often, the people making decisions about girls’ futures are far removed from the challenges they face like poverty, gender bias, climate shocks and lack of resources to support their education.
Malala Fund brings together seven young women from around the world in our Young Women Advisory Council (YWAC). These young women do more than share perspectives; they help Malala Fund understand how to best include girls’ voices in our work. Over the past year, they helped shape our five-year strategic plan, ensuring girls’ priorities stay at the centre.
These young women's insights keep us accountable and grounded in girls' real experiences and they highlight that we can't solve problems for girls, without girls.
Urwa Naeem — Pakistan
Urwa brings young people's voices directly into policymaking. From her role on Pakistan’s National Youth Council to her work with the Pakistan Coalition for Education, she pushes for systems that centre young people — especially girls — and challenge entrenched power structures.
Pulietha Massao — Tanzania
Pulietha is a lawyer who fights for young mothers and marginalised girls to stay in school. She believes education is the foundation for equality — and that tomorrow’s leaders are sitting in classrooms today.
Oghene Gladys Ojiromu — Nigeria
Gladys pushes back against harmful norms that keep girls out of classrooms. As a programme officer with Teenage Network, she has worked to make education more gender-responsive — so girls not only attend school, but thrive once they’re there.
Hanna Kidane — Ethiopia
Hanna connects women’s rights with climate justice. Whether leading youth panels with Plan International or mobilising her Rotaract Club, she advocates for girls to be part of solutions to the biggest crises of our time.
Batool Hassan — Pakistan
Batool champions digital literacy and vocational training for girls, helping them build skills for economic independence. Through AWAM Pakistan’s Young Resilient Women Circle, she mentors young women carving out their futures in tech and beyond.
Jane Mann-Effiong — Nigeria
On the airwaves of northern Nigeria, Jane sparks conversations that matter. Through her radio shows — “Education On Air", "Live and Learn" and "Girls Dormitory” — she opens space for communities to talk about gender equity, health and education reform.
Betty Shitahun — Ethiopia
As a deaf woman, Betty knows how often girls with disabilities are excluded from opportunities. She co-founded the Hope for the Deaf Association and now works with UNICEF Ethiopia to expand access to quality education for all girls with disabilities.
