youth advisory panel

Young voices at the centre of Plan International UK.

Youth Advisory Panel members Dania and Ealaf at the Youth Advisory Panel Residential.

We know that young people can change the world. From fighting for equal education rights to campaigning to make public sexual harassment a crime, young people are making a difference to the issues that matter to them.

The Youth Advisory Panel, YAP for short, is the voice of young people at Plan International UK. They are a group of 22 young people that help shape our work and demand young people are heard across society.

The Youth Advisory Panel are aged 14-21 and based across the UK. They have different interests, skills and experiences, but they have one thing in common – they are passionate about making the world a better place.

What does the Youth Advisory Panel do?

Depending on their own interests, members of YAP take part in a range of activities that help build a more equal world. They may be influencing politicians at party conferences one day, to inputting into decisions at Plan International UK the next. Along the way they are gaining new skills and making friends. Hear more about what the Youth Advisory Panel do from some of our previous YAP members in the video below.

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Our Panel members

Adeniké, 18, London

I’m currently studying A level Biology, Maths and I.T. I joined YAP because we need to change the systems that shape policies around girls’ rights and that girls’ voices deserve to be at the centre of the decisions that shape our lives and not be included as an afterthought. I’ve always been passionate about gender equality and girls’ rights, and I’m so excited to take that passion one step further and advocate for girls through opportunities with YAP.

Elizabeth, 17, Warwickshire

I’m currently studying Politics, Economics and Theatre Studies at sixth form. I joined YAP because I care about young people having a real say in the decisions that affect our lives, especially girls and young women. I’m passionate about gender equality, education, youth voice and making sure young people from different backgrounds are listened to. Outside of YAP, I enjoy theatre, public speaking, movies and being involved in projects that create change.

Dania, 20, London

I currently study Economics at the University of Warwick. My passion for advocacy has led me to become a Youth Advisor for Mission 44. It also inspired me to join YAP after seeing how a lack of education and safety affected young members of my family living in war torn countries. As part of YAP, I want to raise awareness of humanitarian crises and how they can change young people's lives, as well as help create real change.

Ealaf, 18, London

I've just finished my A-Levels in Biology, Maths and English Literature, and hope to study law at university! I joined YAP because I'm passionate about making sure young people's voices are heard, valued and included in decisions that affect us! I'm particularly interested in youth empowerment, gender equality, and education. I've enjoyed being involved in youth advocacy through initiatives such as UK Youth Parliament, the London Youth Assembly, and my local youth council where I've worked with other young people to create positive change.

Daniel, 16, London

I’m a national youth activist, political interviewer and journalist passionate about gender equality, youth representation, and increasing opportunities for young people in politics. Through my work with the BBC, charities, and advocacy organisations, I’ve met and spoken with the UK Prime Minister about youth voice, joined roundtables with Prince William on youth opportunities, and interviewed Lisa Nandy on the £500 million National Youth Strategy. I regularly speak on panels, including with the Ubele Initiative, and my work has featured across BBC, LBC, and News Shopper.

Aneesha, 16, Birmingham

I’m passionate about young people having a genuine voice in the decisions that affect our lives and our communities. I joined YAP because I want to turn the issues young people care about into conversations, ideas and real action. I’m particularly interested in education, equality, youth representation and creating opportunities for young people to get involved and be heard. Outside of school, I love getting involved in projects, meeting new people and taking on new challenges. I’m excited to be part of YAP, share my perspective and work alongside other young people to make a difference.

Shalom, 16, Bolton

I first got involved in youth voice at 13, when I ran for and then became elected as Member of Youth Parliament for Bolton. I joined YAP because I know how powerful it can be when passionate young people work together for a purpose. It is amazing to be a part of a group that can contribute to real change, and to be able to be an advocate for education and equality for women and girls across the world. 

Tara, 16, Birmingham

I’m studying Biology, Chemistry, Drama and French at sixth form. I love to read, and I was inspired to get involved in topics like girls' rights after reading The Handmaid’s Tale. In particular, I am very passionate about girls worldwide receiving an education, as it allows them to shape their own futures. I’m excited to be part of the YAP team with others who have the same passions as me! 

Neylia, 20, Hampshire

I joined YAP because I believe every child deserves equal rights, opportunities and a voice in decisions that affect them. I'm passionate about helping to break down barriers to ensure young people, especially girls, are heard and supported. I have experience across grant-making and influencing policies, and I'm excited to bring that experience to my time as a YAP member.

Khatija, 19, London

I’m studying Politics and International Relations. Growing up with a disadvantaged background, I've witnessed how structural inequalities, particularly those affecting girls and marginalised youth, persist across borders, social contexts and political systems. These experiences have shown me that meaningful progress requires both grassroots action and systemic international advocacy led by those most affected. My previous work has centred in education access and financial inclusion in the UK. Through YAP, I hope to extend it globally into health, protection, and emergencies.

YAP member Uleye sat at a table in a restaurant

Uleye, 17, Edinburgh

I'm currently studying Advanced Highers, with my favourite subject being Modern Studies. I joined YAP because I want to ensure youth voices are part of decisions that affect us, rather than being an afterthought. I'm particularly passionate about equality and representation for young people from diverse backgrounds. Through experiences like volunteering and taking part in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, I've seen how young people can drive change, and I'm excited to learn and grow alongside others who share that passion.

Qahira, 19, Cardiff

I joined YAP after following Plan’s campaigns both in the UK and internationally, like the Crime Not A Compliment Campaign, I was so inspired to get involved. I previously took part in the Young Changemakers’ Programme where I organised workshops for female refugees in my community with Plan UK’s support. I then had the incredible opportunity to be a CEO for the day for Barratt Homes through Plan’s ‘Girls’ Takeover’ for International Day of the Girl which showed me that there was definitely space for girls and women in leadership roles.

YAP member Edwina standing in front of brick wall

Edwina, 18, Manchester

I'm passionate about intersectionality, gender equality and creating fairer opportunities for young people. I especially care about ensuring girls and young women from disadvantaged backgrounds can access the same opportunities, have their voices heard, and participate in decisions that affect their lives.

Hosai, 19, London

I'm studying International Relations in London. I joined YAP because of my passion for expanding opportunities for girls in underrepresented countries. I'm particularly interested in girls' access to education and creating real change for them.

YAP member Francesca making peace symbols with hands

Francesca, 15, London

I'm studying GCSE French, IT, and Sociology. I joined YAP because it would enable people like me to help make a change. The issues I feel particularly strongly about are online violence against women and girls, and girls' rights around the world. I enjoy reading in my free-time. 

Nashwa, 19, London

I’m currently studying Sociology BSc at university. I joined YAP because I wanted to be part of something that gives young people a real voice while also working towards equality on a global scale.