Children around the world face violence, exploitation, and neglect. Learn how you can help defend their rights and ensure they grow up safe and supported.
Divina Maloum is a multi-award-winning Cameroonian peacebuilder, cartoonist, researcher, lecturer, and humanitarian, globally recognized for her bold advocacy in child rights, gender equity, and disarmament. She is the founder of Children for Peace, a children- and girls-led NGO working across Sub-Saharan Africa to promote peace, counter violent extremism, and protect children’s rights in conflict-affected and patriarchal environments. Since 2015, they have empowered over 40,000 children across all 10 regions of Cameroon, launching peace clubs in schools, mosques, and marketplaces, and leading national campaigns including children’s declarations against violent extremism. Divina also serves as a UN Youth Task Force on Environment member, UNODA Youth Champion, UNODC Youth Expert, W7 Advisor on Gender Equity to the G7, and former Africa Regional Facilitator for the UNCCD Youth Caucus. Divina is also a member of the Youth Board at KidsRights and a leading voice on UNSCR 2250 and 1325 implementation. She was named a 2019 International Children’s Peace Prize Laureate, one of Africa’s 35 most inspiring young leaders under 35, a Women Deliver Young Leader, and one of Cameroon’s eight most influential women of 2019. Through peace cartoons, documentaries, and direct community engagement, she bridges intergenerational dialogue, religious divides, and cultural barriers.
Focus: children in conflict, child participation
Ahmad Siyam Barakati is an Afghan education and children’s rights activist and the Deputy Director of Charmaghz, a Kabul-based nonprofit running the largest chain of mobile libraries for children in Afghanistan. Each day, Charmaghz provides educational opportunities to over 2,500 children, fostering a love for reading, critical thinking, and learning in a country where only 7% of primary school-aged children are proficient in literacy and numeracy. He leads national operations at Charmaghz and has years of experience managing impactful education programs across Afghanistan. His approach is rooted in empathy, evidence, and a deep belief in every child’s right to quality education.
Recognized globally for his contributions, Siyam was named a “30 Under 30 Literacy Leader” by the International Literacy Association in 2023 and selected as an Asia 21 Next Generation Fellow by the Asia Society in 2024. Through his work, Siyam is helping redefine what’s possible for children in conflict-affected regions and is building a future where education is a foundation for peace.
Focus: education
Ooreofe Lawanson is a mission-driven leader working at the intersection of technology, education, and social impact. With over a decade of experience across the public and nonprofit sectors. She is passionate about using innovation to solve complex challenges facing underserved communities in Africa. Ooreofe is the founder of Road12, a non profit that delivers tailored education to out-of-school children, particularly children affected by Child Labor or at risk of Child Labor. She has led growth and program management efforts at organizations such as Tech4Dev, Family Health International (FHI), and Youth for Technology Foundation.
Her work has focused on digital inclusion, healthcare and education access, and youth empowerment, impacting thousands of lives across Nigeria. Ooreofe is committed to building scalable, tech-enabled solutions that promote sustainability, educational access,equity, and entrepreneurship. Her work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and reflects her broader vision to create systems that empower communities to thrive.
Focus: child labour, education
Salena Starling is a passionate advocate, international public speaker, and changemaker committed to uplifting Indigenous youth and transforming the child welfare system. She is the CEO of Community of Big Hearts, the founder of the Reconciliation Road Challenge, and the creator of The Anita Project, each focused on education, equity, and empowerment for marginalized communities. As a United Nations Delegate, Salena brings a global lens to her advocacy, grounded in her lived experience as a foster care survivor and a proud Swampy Cree woman from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Her work bridges grassroots storytelling with systemic change, helping communities and organizations across Canada and internationally better understand the realities facing Indigenous peoples—especially youth in care. Salena has been a public speaker since the age of 11 and has since shared stages with leaders, educators, and changemakers around the world. Through her workshops, public talks, and leadership initiatives, she creates spaces for truth, healing, and honest dialogue. Her approach is rooted in empathy, lived experience, and the belief that reconciliation must be more than a word—it must be action. Salena continues to lead with heart, courage, and an unshakable commitment to creating a more just and compassionate future for the next generation.
Focus: Indigenous youth, foster care
Rayaa is a passionate advocate, scholar, and STEM enthusiast who believes in using her voice to create change. At just 16, she founded Rising Voices, a youth-led organization that has reached over 500 students in Nigeria and Ireland, teaching them about activism and how to advocate for their communities. This initiative was inspired by her own experiences as a migrant navigating new environments and finding her voice. As a Rise Global Finalist, she was recognized among the top 500 teens worldwide for her lifelong commitment to learning and service. She won national awards, including the Intel Technology Award and EirGrid Climate Action Award at SciFest for two consecutive years, for her innovative project reducing carbon emissions. Raysa also represented Ireland at the Model EU Council Debate, securing 2nd place overall in Ireland, and has spoken at the prestigious European Forum at Brussels, advocating for youth rights. As a Child Rights Ambassador with EuroChild, she’s worked directly with EU policymakers to ensure young voices are heard on critical issues. In 2024, she was accepted amongst 10,000+ high schoolers worldwide to attend the prestigious Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program further deepening her passion for advocacy and global collaboration by studying Politics, Law and Economics. Rayaa is driven by her belief in the power of young people to shape the future. She is eager to blend her love for science, advocacy, and community engagement.
Focus: child participation
Lamin Jawo is a youth activist from The Gambia with a strong commitment to child rights advocacy and youth empowerment. For the past six years, he has served in the Children’s National Assembly of The Gambia, completing his first term as a member and currently serving his final months as Speaker of the Assembly. Through this platform, Lamin has worked to amplify the voices of children at local, national, regional, and international levels—actively participating in consultations, policy discussions, and advocacy spaces focused on advancing the rights and well-being of children. In 2024, he represented Gambian youth on the global climate stage as UNICEF Gambia’s Youth Delegate to COP29, where he elevated youth perspectives in international climate negotiations. Lamin also serves as one of 20 adolescent and youth advisors to the United Nations in The Gambia, contributing to national policy development that shapes the lives and futures of young people. Currently in his second year studying Political Science at the University of The Gambia, Lamin aligns his academic path with his passion for social impact. His advocacy is grounded in SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—two areas he believes are fundamental to building a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Focus: general
Mathe Patience Masupha is a children’s rights and gender equality advocate from Lesotho. Her advocacy journey began early as the Minister of Education and Training in the National Children’s Parliament, membership in the Citizens Voice and Action National Children’s Committee, and the National Child Protection Issues Committee. Mathe made history as the first child involved in the Child Rights Network Southern Africa Strategic Road Map and currently serves as a Youth Minister, championing the rights and voices of young people. Mathe’s global influence includes representing youth for UNFPA at the Safeguard Young People International Coordination Meeting in 2023, serving as a Youth Representative on SRHR Engagement at UNFPA Lesotho and representing the NomaPads Foundation at the Spark Fund Global Convening by the Global Fund for Children in Zimbabwe in 2024, contributing to global discussions on youth empowerment and community resilience. Her advocacy was spotlighted in a BBC News documentary, followed by an interview with SABC Africa. She leads impactful initiatives such as Wired Different and Amplifying Young Voices, which focus on empowering youth and fostering inclusivity. She trained with World Vision and UNICEF to promote child protection and comprehensive sexuality education. As a published author of Passion and Devotion, Mathe continues to lead, inspire, and advocate for a more equitable future for children.
Focus: general
Firzana Redzuan is a Malaysian children’s rights advocate, legal professional, and founder of Monsters Among Us (MAU)—Malaysia’s first youth-led NGO focused on preventing child sexual abuse. Under her leadership, MAU has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized organization known for survivor-centered, youth-led advocacy. Its flagship projects include Lapor Predator, the country’s first online reporting chatbot for child sexual abuse; the MAU Reading Club, a safe space for youth to explore advocacy; and My Body, My Rules, a guide to inclusive and comprehensive sexuality education. Currently serving as Interim President of Protect and Save the Children, Fir leads national efforts in education and capacity-building to prevent sexual violence against children. Her work consistently centers children who have been systemically excluded from protection systems, ensuring their voices shape policy and prevention. Fir is legally trained in both civil law (LLB) and Syariah practice (DLSA), and was called to the Malaysian Bar in 2021. She previously served as a Programme Officer at ARROW, focusing on gender equality and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation/cutting. She is also a YSEALI Academic Fellowship alumna and an advocate for faith-based inclusivity, having participated in Indonesia’s Women Ulama Congress in 2022.
Focus: child sexual abuse
Josanne Buchanan is a children’s tech & media researcher, a developmental psychology scholar, and a children’s rights enthusiast who works across the private sector, public sector, and academia to develop content and systems that help youth thrive in the digital age.
Michelle McLean is an internationally acclaimed media personality, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and Miss Universe 1992. With over 35 years of philanthropic work, she is the Founder and Chairperson of the Michelle McLean Children Trust in Namibia and the Michelle McLean Foundation LLC in the United States. Through her foundation, she has raised over $40 million and spearheaded hundreds of initiatives focused on children’s education, empowerment, and gender equity—impacting over 1300 students annually at the Michelle McLean Primary School in Windhoek. Michelle also leads scholarship programs, entrepreneurial and financial literacy training, and community upliftment projects. She has partnered with global figures including Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and worked alongside Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund. She has served as an ambassador for UNICEF and SOS Children’s Villages, and currently represents Namibia globally as a tourism, investment, and education liaison. Her honors include the Lifetime Achievement Award from U.S. President Donald Trump, and recognitions from IAOTP as Global Impact Entrepreneur of the Year, Top Humanitarian of the Decade, and Global Business Woman of the Year in Tourism and Investment. Michelle founded the Michelle McLean University in 2020 and continues to champion children’s rights, education, and sustainable development worldwide through her speaking, leadership, and advocacy.
Rani Hong is a globally recognized children’s rights advocate, social entrepreneur, and former UN Special Advisor who has dedicated over 25 years to fighting modern slavery and child exploitation. A survivor of child trafficking herself, Rani has transformed her personal experience into a global mission, advising over 150 countries and delivering multiple speeches to the UN General Assembly. Her advocacy led to the establishment of the UN-recognized World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (Resolution 68/192). As founder of The Tronie Foundation and Freedom Seal Global, she drives survivor-led, data-informed efforts to end forced labor and protect vulnerable children. Through Freedom Seal, she has helped certify companies committed to ethical supply chains, safeguarding children from exploitation in global markets. Rani also leads a tech-for-good company that uses innovative software to monitor sustainability, promote ethical sourcing, and protect informal and marginalized communities, including children, through impact assessment tools and digital safety solutions. Her powerful voice has reached global platforms, including leading national campaigns, testifying before the UN and speaking with Oprah and Pope Francis about modern slavery. She was has multiple accolades including Vanitha’s Women of the Year 2018 from India’s top magazine and a UN Human Rights Award recipient, with features on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, Euro news and other international media on numerous occasions.
Dr. Mamatha Raghuveer Achanta is the founder of Tharuni (www.tharuni.org), an Indian NGO empowering women and adolescent girls since 2000. Tharuni has led campaigns against child marriage, labor, trafficking, infanticide, and feticide, stopping hundreds of child marriages and helping girls return to school. Through Balika Sanghas (Girl Child Clubs), over 22,000 rural girls have been mentored.As a pro bono advocate, she has filed 128 public interest litigations, including a landmark 2012 case that led to child marriage being treated as a cognizable offense. She is the Technical Director for Telangana’s Bharosa Support Centres, which she conceptualized to support rape and abuse survivors. With 29 centres, they’ve supported over 25,000 victims. She also established Tharuni Swalambana, a 50-bed rehabilitation center for child sexual abuse survivors, and a de-addiction and psychiatric facility for women through Swanthana. Internationally, she joined the U.S. State Department’s IVLP on Trafficking in Persons, spoke at CSW67, and represented India at the 2018 UN Conference on Human Trafficking. Dr. Mamatha served as Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee in Warangal, receiving a Best CWC Award, and was a member of the Telangana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. She is also a recognized POSH trainer across government, corporate, academic, and defense sectors.
Professor Marci A. Hamilton is the Founder and CVO of CHILD USA, an interdisciplinary nonprofit think tank that advocates for child-centered public policies and a Professor of Practice in Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, where she specializes in constitutional law, and is the leading expert on statutes of limitation reform for child sex abuse. Professor Hamilton is the author of several books including Justice Denied: What America Must Do to Protect Its Children, the groundbreaking book on child sex abuse statutes of limitation. She is also a founder of CHILD USA’s Gold Standard Program, which is the first automated, efficient, and affordable child sex abuse prevention program intended to serve all youth-serving organizations, as well as the author of numerous articles, reports, and briefs on issues affecting victims of child sex abuse. Hamilton is the recipient of numerous awards and honors and is frequently quoted in major media outlets.
