We are proud to bring to you a new, exciting network of Global Advocacy Champions who will be participating in the 68th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) from 11 - 22 March 2024.
Read our asks for CSW68 here
You can hear us speak hereGACs at CSW2024
This is a unique opportunity for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to advocate for the rights of girls and young women at a global level, and champion gender equality through the principal global intergovernmental body shaping global policy standards on women's rights.
By becoming Global Advocacy Champions, they will represent the concerns of girls and young women from their national Girl Guiding or Scouting association and the diverse range of countries where they are from.
We chose our Global Advocacy Champions for their commitment to gender equality, involvement in Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting, and ability to lead, challenge, and create a ripple effect.
Media Enquires: If you would like the opportunity to talk with any of our Global Advocacy Champions about their activism and role in this global gathering please contact comms@wagggs.org.
Read our Reaction Statement to the CSW68 Agreed Conclusions here
Meet our 2024 Global Advocacy Champions
Sachia Reid-Thomas, Barbados
ROUNDTABLE, BRONZE AWARDEE AND SILVER CANDIDATE IN THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL AWARDS, YOUTH DELEGATE REPRESENTING BARBADOS AT THE 37TH WORLD CONFERENCE
Khadiga Moustapha Saleh, Egypt
GIRLS GUIDES ASSISTANT GROUP LEADER, ADVOCATE FOR ENDING GENDER DISEQUAILTY and WOMEN & GIRLS VIOLENCE EXPOSURE
Currently, Khadiga is a Financial Assistant Analyst in a well-known multinational leading Company in Food and beverages, A Master's Holder in International Management and commerce from IAE Poitiers in France, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management at Alexandria University, Egypt.
Ask Khadiga about:
- Combating Gender-Based Violence in Egypt
- SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5, Gender Equality
- SDG 10, Reducing inequalities
Joy Najem, Lebanon
RANGER CREW LEADER, ACTIVIST AGAINST MENSTRUAL STEREOTYPING, GENDER EQUALITY ADVOCATE
Beyond her role in scouting, Joy is pursuing a dream that parallels her advocacy efforts—she aspires to become a mechanical engineer. This dual commitment underscores her unwavering dedication to both personal aspirations and societal change. Whether on the precipice of dismantling menstrual stigma or fervently advocating for gender equality, Joy stands firm in her commitment to these crucial causes.
Ask Joy about:
- SDG1, Ending poverty in all its forms everywhere.
- SDG3, Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
- SDG5, Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
- Ending menstrual stereotypes.
Yasmine El Berjawi, Lebanon
GIRL SCOUTS HEAD LEADER, ADVOCATE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, ACTIVIST ENGAGED IN PROMOTING THE RIGHT OF YOUNG GIRLS IN UNDERPRIVILEGED COMMUNITIES THROUGH EMPOWERMENT AND EDUCATION
Yasmine's commitment to women's rights is not confined to local efforts. In her capacity as the President of the Political Studies Student Society at her university, she is actively working on a social media campaign for the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence. This campaign has a special focus on raising awareness about the challenges faced by women in areas of conflict, such as Gaza, Sudan, and Congo. Through her leadership, the campaign aims to shed light on the unique struggles that women in these conflict zones endure, emphasizing the importance of addressing their specific needs and advocating for their rights.
In every facet of her life, Yasmine manifests her dedication to creating a more equitable and empowered future for women and girls, both locally and globally.
Ask Yasmine about:
- Actions to end Gender-Based Violence
- Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene
- Volunteering
- Gender equality
Chifundo Ngwale, Malawi
YOUNG LEADER, GENDER EQUALITY ADVOCATE, YWAF CHAMPION, YESS ALUMNAE, HELEN STORROW SEMINAR ALUMNAE AND ADVOCACY OFFICER
Chifundo’s goal is to shine a light on the issues of child marriages, gender-based violence, girls' rights, and women's empowerment.
Chifundo has attended WAGGGS events such as Helen Storrow Seminar in 2019, and Gifts for Change at Sangam India, and has been selected for WAGGGS leadership mindsets and environment. She also participated in the Youth Exchange South to South Girls Movement in 2018 and 2023 respectively. She was also in the Young Women’s Advocacy Forum in 2020 where she represented WAGGGS at UNGA on Action on Body Confidence and Gender Equality.
Currently, Chifundo is working as an Advocacy Officer at the Girl Guides Association of Zimbabwe (GGAZ), she has been on a mission to bring hope and change to the lives of girls and young women. It is a journey marked by resilience and triumph. She has managed to develop and formulate two crucial policies on child marriages and drug abuse.
Ask Chifundo about:
- Free Being Me/Action on Body Confidence
- Stop The Violence
- Menstrual Hygiene Management/ Red Pride
- Community action on child marriages and drug abuse
- Action on Sustainable Development Goals 1, 5, 13
Bandita Khatiwada, Nepal
A GIRL GUIDE AND RANGER WHO ADVOCATES GENDER EQUALITY IN THE DECISION-MAKING AND SPEAKS FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS
Bandita is currently pursuing her undergraduate studies in Computer Science and Information Technology at Orchid International College, which is affiliated with Tribhuvan University. She is working as a Global WAGGGS Volunteer for the APR sub-committee for Team Communication.
Ask Bandita about :
- Girls Guiding in Nepal Scouts
- Addressing gender-based violence in Nepal
- Period Poverty in Nepal
Asmau Aliyu Naphatiti, Nigeria
GUIDE LEADER, GIRL CHILD ADVOCATE, MENSTRUAL HYGIENE CHAMPION, YOUTH ADVOCACY LEADER, AND GLOBAL ADVOCACY CHAMPION
Addressing gender-based violence has been a central focus of Aliyu's advocacy endeavours. She firmly believes in the right of every girl and woman to live free from violence and fear. Through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with local organisations, Aliyu has worked towards the implementation of laws prohibiting violence against individuals, amplifying the voices of survivors, challenging harmful norms, and creating safe spaces for conversations about gender-based violence without judgement.
Ask Aliyu about:
- Promoting menstrual hygiene in Northern Nigeria
- Addressing gender-based violence and creating safe spaces
- Advancing gender equality in communities with socio-cultural barriers
Cearlovey Granali, Philippines
REGIONAL GIRL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CENTRAL BOARD, NATIONAL PEER EDUCATOR ON ADOLESCENT FEMALE HEALTH, ADVOCATE FOR GENDER EQUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE CHANGE
Cearlovey is a Political Science student majoring in International Relations and Foreign Service at the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines. As an aspiring ambassador, she would like to advance girls' and young women's rights by promoting women's perspectives at the heart of diplomacy.
Ask Cearlovey about:
● Action on Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5 and 16.
● Adolescent female health and violence against women and girls
● Girl-led advocacy and leadership
Nikki Naidoo, South Africa
NATIONAL FACILITATOR, YOUTH LEADER, ADVOCATE FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN THE STEM FIELD, RECIPIENT OF THE GOLDEN SAGE YOUTH AWARD AND NALEDI AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Her Guiding career is uniquely characterised by her exceptional strengths—quick critical thinking and profound empathy. Her analytical acumen allows her to navigate intricate challenges with finesse, providing innovative solutions. Simultaneously, Nikki's deep empathy fosters inclusive environments and genuine connections within her initiatives, establishing her as a compassionate and forward-thinking leader dedicated to driving positive change.
Ask Nikki about:
● Action on Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, 10 and 13
● Guidance on navigating a male-dominated professional landscape
● Girl-led advocacy
● Using the WAGGGS leadership mindsets in daily life
Zeineb Touhami, Tunisia
GIRL GUIDES’ LEADER, ADVOCATE FOR ENDING MENSTRUAL STIGMATISATION, ACTIVIST ENGAGED IN RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT SDGs
Motivated by her ambitions, Zeineb actively participates in various activities that raise awareness and take actions to embrace women's potential and empower young girls in the realms of voice, dreams, health, and education.
A business student, Zeineb collaborates with diverse groups to harness the power of young girls and inspire women to strongly believe in their capacities to change the world.
Ask Zeineb about:
- Actions on SDGs 2, 3, 4, 5,and 13
- Ending menstrual stereotypes
Chiska Ankers, United Kingdom and Portugal
RANGER, BROWNIE AND INSPIRE LEADER, GENDER EQUALITY AND CLIMATE ACTION ADVOCATE, GLOBAL ADVOCACY CHAMPION
Chiska has a First Class Bachelor's degree in Childhood studies and, alongside her volunteering, is currently working at one of the WAGGGS World Centres: inspiring hundreds of girls and young women through programming, training, and leadership development.
Ask Chiska about:
● Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5 and 13
● Girl-led advocacy
● How WAGGGS are helping to empower girls and young women worldwide
Yelyzaveta Martsyn, Ukraine
YOUNG LEADER, COMMISSIONER OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF THE ASSOCIATION OF UKRAINIAN GUIDES, PARTICIPANT OF THE JULIETTE LOW SEMINAR 2022, AUTHOR OF A PROJECT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN IN WARTIME, GENDER EQUALITY ACTIVIST
In her role within The Association of Ukrainian Guides, Yelyzaveta spearheads initiatives aimed at nurturing the guide movement in her region. She serves as a role model, demonstrating that determination, courage, and solidarity can bring about positive change.
Yelyzaveta's belief in the potential of young girls echoes through her actions. She envisions a future where gender does not limit opportunities and where stereotypes are dismantled to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Ask Yelyzaveta about:
● Action on Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5, 12 and 16
● Implementing psychological support programs for women
● Strategies to challenge and debunk gender stereotypes
Mufaro Blessing Makurumidze, Zimbabwe
YOUNG LEADER OF GGAZ, YESS ALUMNI, SDG AMBASSADOR, PASSIONATE ADVOCATE FOR GENDER EQUALITY, EMPOWERMENT AND MENSTRUAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Mufaro's experiences have instilled in her a deep understanding of the transformative power of education and empowerment. She firmly believes that every girl should have an unhindered opportunity to reach her full potential, regardless of societal constraints or gender-based biases.
Her commitment extends beyond activism; she is also an academic achiever. Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting program, she aspires to merge her knowledge and skills with her passion for gender equality, creating a lasting impact on women's economic empowerment.
Mufaro's online advocacy has been instrumental in raising awareness about period violence. She has been a vocal advocate for menstrual health management, challenging misconceptions and promoting self-confidence among young girls and women.
Mufaro empowers young girls to become agents of change. As a Free Being Me Facilitator, she shares knowledge on body confidence, self-awareness, and menstrual health management, empowering young girls to address gender inequality, gender discrimination, and violence. Her 'Red Pride Project' targeted many girls, teaching them the essential skill of sewing reusable sanitary pads, promoting affordability and eco-friendliness. She also provided comprehensive education on the menstrual cycle, sanitary products, and menstrual hygiene practices.
Ask Mufaro about:
- SDG 5, Ending poverty in all its forms everywhere
- Free Being Me, Action on Body Confidence
- Menstrual health and period poverty