GLOBAL ADVOCACY CHAMPIONS 2025: Meet the Inspiring Young Women!

We are proud to introduce a new, exciting network of Global Advocacy Champions who will participate in the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) from 10 to 21 March 2025.

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 to talk with any of our Global Advocacy Champions about their activism and role in this global gathering, please contact comms@wagggs.org.

Meet our 2025 Global Advocacy Champions

KETTIE PENDAME

5 8

Outside guiding Kettie has been a community outreach volunteer at Makazi Foundation, and has actively promoted women's economic empowerment, emphasizing the importance of education, financial resources, and mentorship opportunities. Her advocacy work aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

KATERINA PAPANASTASIOU

8 5

In addition to her work in education and STEM advocacy, Katerina is a strong advocate for internet safety. She recognizes the growing risks young people face online and is committed to equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital world securely and responsibly. Her work in digital well-being ensures that young people are equipped to face the challenges of an increasingly connected world with confidence and awareness.

JULIETA RAMIREZ

6 7

Julieta’s initiatives extend beyond local community efforts. Her leadership in global platforms has helped her to apply international perspectives to local challenges, particularly in advocating for comprehensive solutions that address both food security and gender disparities.

As a section leader, Julieta inspires young girls to take active roles in advocacy, emphasizing the importance of gender perspectives in food justice. She believes that empowering young women to recognize and challenge gender inequalities is crucial for building a better world.

CLAIRE-MARIE PEPPER

4 8

Claire-Marie wants to be a part of the change to help girls and young women find their voices and provide the platforms for them to be heard. Through this Global Advocacy Champions program, she hopes to gain new skills, knowledge and resources to develop a platform within her organization that educates members on how to take action.

Outside of Guiding, Claire-Marie is a passionate environmental advocate working in the sustainability sector, addressing challenges such as climate change, food security and supporting an agricultural company's transition towards net zero. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she takes pride in breaking barriers and paving the way for more girls and young women to pursue careers in the STEM fields.

ALICE ARLINE

2 8

Alice has also volunteered at Nuestra Cabaña, one of WAGGGS’ World Centers in Mexico, gaining invaluable experience in global sisterhood and leadership. Additionally, she has organized and participated in international forums, cultural exchanges, and national Girl Guide events that amplify youth voices and strengthen bonds across borders.

“Through programs like Voices Against Violence and my work in education, I’ve learned that awareness and action can transform lives. I want to keep creating inclusive spaces where girls and women can thrive and lead.”

With her strong leadership skills and dedication to addressing societal challenges, Alice actively promotes gender equality while encouraging young women to advocate for themselves and others.

AMIRAH ARSHAD

3 8

Beyond her commitment as a Girl Guide, Amirah has established herself as a copywriter, bringing creative insight and strategic communication skills to her various advocacy roles. Outside of her professional endeavors, Amirah is involved in sports, reflecting her deep commitment to nurturing youth development. Her participation showcases how youth involvement in athletics can extend beyond traditional boundaries, encouraging growth across various facets of life.

KANTO FIDERANA RAVELOHARINJATO

7 6

As a dedicated Girl Guide for 18 years, Kanto’s leadership journey has evolved from being a patrol leader to serving as the national coordinator of Mpanazava’s advocacy pool. Her commitment to empowering girls is reflected in her work as a PTTC and Surf Smart advocacy champion, focusing on equipping girls with the knowledge and confidence to stand up for their rights. Since joining the YESS Girls Movement in 2021, she has participated in the exchange in Malawi(2023) and has since amplified the alumni's voices by being shortlisted as a YESS Global Ambassador.

Her professional background as an English teacher further enriches her advocacy, enabling her to educate, mentor, and inspire others. She is also skilled in IT, including graphic design and virtual collaboration, making her a versatile and effective leader in both physical and digital spaces.

LILY RAPER

9

As an alumnus of the WAGGGS Juliette Low Seminar, Lily is committed to the empowerment of girls and young women, and dedicated to practicing peacebuilding in her community. She encourages girls in her units to practice leadership in their daily lives and fosters political awareness from an early age with poster and letter-writing campaigns and workshops on current affairs. 

Having volunteered for VOCAL carers’ charity, Lily strives to support women in caregiving positions by raising funds to create a safety net for carers in her community and linking vulnerable women to vital support networks. Her understanding of the financial hardship that caregivers experience in her country has driven her to take a stand against female poverty in her activism.

Lily is a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh awardee currently working towards her Queen’s Guide Award. She is also a recipient of the Lead Away Qualification, which she uses to organize camps and residential opportunities for her units. 

WAAD MOHAMED

13 (1)

Waad is a Commercial Communication Officer at a leading Professional Events Management Company. Alongside her professional work, she is actively involved in the "Free Being Me" program and leadership initiatives within the Egyptian Girl Guides Association, empowering young women to embrace their confidence and break societal barriers.

Waad holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science from Alexandria University, which has deepened her understanding of the social and economic barriers women face globally. This knowledge drives her advocacy, aligning her efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

PRISCILLA ODONYE

10

As a youth leader, Priscilla serves as a role model, encouraging young girls to pursue leadership positions and advocate for their rights. Her work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality).

Priscilla’s leadership extends to health advocacy. As a student nurse, she combines her healthcare knowledge with community engagement, conducting health education programs that address menstrual stigma, gender-based violence, and health disparities among women.

Currently, Priscilla is a student nurse and preparing to further her advocacy as a participant in the Global Advocacy Championship Programme (March 2025), where she aims to amplify gender-focused solutions on a global platform.

“Girls and women belong in leadership, decision-making, and spaces where change happens. It is our time to rise and reclaim our voices.”

RACHEL WU

11

Rachel dreams of a future where every girl has access to the opportunities I have had—a world where gender is not a barrier but a source of strength. Through education, leadership, and advocacy, I strive to inspire others to join the movement for equality and empowerment.

VIOLET ADHIAMBO

12

Violet is also a passionate participant in the "Plastic Tide Turners Challenge", which addresses environmental issues while empowering youth. Through her involvement in multiple projects, Violet has become a transformative figure in her community, inspiring countless girls and young women to realize their potential. Her unwavering dedication to integrity, empowerment, and social justice continues to illuminate the paths of those she serves, making her a vital force for change in Kenya.

AIRA COLLENE RAGOS

1 8

As a Girl Powered Nutrition Advocacy Champion, she is also deeply committed to addressing the intersection of health and gender. She understands that malnutrition is not just a health crisis but a leadership crisis. When girls and women are denied proper nutrition, they are also denied their full potential. Ensuring that girls have the resources they need to thrive is an investment in a future where women are not just participants but architects of change.

Beyond Scouting, Aira is a 4th-year Bachelor of Science in Psychology student. Her studies have deepened her understanding of mental health and its role in personal empowerment and leadership. She uses her voice to advocate for mental well-being, channeling her education into creating environments where young women can find the strength and clarity to lead with purpose and resilience. Aira recognizes that mental health is integral to leadership because a confident, empowered mind makes the impossible achievable.

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