Executive Director, Hassana Maina, has been selected as a member of the World Bank’s inaugural IDA Youth Champions Circle.

The IDA Youth Champions Circle brings together young leaders from across Africa and Asia who are driving positive change in their communities. As part of the inaugural cohort, Hassana will join other youth champions in advocating for inclusive and sustainable development while amplifying the voices and priorities of young people across their regions.

Through ASVIOL Support Initiative, she has led efforts to strengthen survivor-centred support, influence policy, and mobilise communities to address sexual and gender-based violence and the inequalities that enable it.

Speaking on her selection, Hassana Maina said:

“I’m excited to be part of the inaugural World Bank IDA Youth Champions Circle, a space for bold, young voices shaping real change. I come into this with years of work on gender justice, survivor support, and unapologetically centring those often left out of the room.”

Her appointment reflects the growing recognition of the role young leaders and grassroots organisations play in advancing sustainable development and creating more inclusive societies.