Three Muslim women among Africa’s top female change-makers
Muslim women join the ranks of five inspiring African changemakers empowering communities
ABUJA, Nigeria (MNTV) — Three Muslim women have been named among five phenomenal African female change-makers in a new list issued by One Young World, a global youth leadership initiative.
The organization, which empowers young leaders to tackle global challenges, has spotlighted its most inspiring ambassadors for 2025.
Among the honorees are Jaha Dukureh of Gambia, Dickel Dia of Mauritania, and Hauwa Ojeifo of Nigeria, whose impactful work continues to transform their communities.
Jaha Dukureh is a renowned advocate for ending violence against women.
Through her organization, Safe Hands for Girls, she has launched awareness campaigns in Gambia to combat forced child marriage and female genital mutilation.
Dukureh’s dedication earned her a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, the title of UN Women’s first Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, and a spot on Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list.
Hauwa Ojeifo, a mental health advocate from Nigeria, founded She Writes Woman, a movement aimed at de-stigmatizing mental health.
Her initiatives include a 24/7 toll-free helpline, an online support community of over 2,000 mental health advocates, and advocacy workshops educating children on human rights and mental health advocacy.
Ojeifo’s work is helping normalize conversations around mental health in Nigeria.
From Mauritania, Dickel Dia founded AFPHY, an organization promoting gender equality and financial independence for women.
Since 2017, AFPHY has impacted over 14,000 people through initiatives like WIRA, a pottery enterprise for women; WAJE, an ecological farming employment program; and the Fight Co-Vi Initiative, which trains domestic abuse survivors in soap production and sales.
The other honorees on the list include Senator Crystal Asige, a disability rights activist from Kenya, and Ruth Wacuka, a care reform advocate.
The recognition of these three Muslim women underscores their vital contributions to challenging stereotypes and fostering systemic change in Africa.
Through their leadership, they continue to inspire others and improve lives across their communities.
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