Dr. Hina Velji, a doctor-turned-educationist and management professional, has been elected to the World Board of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). The election took place at the 39th World Conference in Cambodia from 16th to 19th June.
WAGGGS: A Global Movement for Girls and Young Women
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is the largest voluntary movement dedicated to girls and young women worldwide. It represents 11.2 million girls and young women from 153 countries. For over a century, Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting have transformed lives by supporting and empowering girls to achieve their full potential and become responsible global citizens.
The organization focuses on empowering women and girls to actively participate in social life, contribute to society, and engage in community development. It has trained thousands of women globally, including those from remote regions in Asia and Africa, in leadership skills, positive youth development, unity, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and primary health care.
Dr. Hina Velji's Journey and Contributions in Pakistan
In Pakistan, WAGGGS collaborates with the Pakistan Girls Guide Association, where Ms. Velji has been an active member for nearly two decades. Her journey began as a young Guide, and over the past 20 years, she has served in various capacities. As National Guides Commissioner for the Ismaili Guides Chapter in Pakistan, she worked with volunteers and leaders to expand participation from 5,000 to over 30,000 girls, creating greater access to leadership, service, camps, and personal development opportunities for young women across the country.
Reflecting on her journey, she said, "Through Guiding, I have witnessed the transformative power of investing in girls. I have seen shy young girls become confident leaders, volunteers become mentors, and communities become stronger through service and collective action. These experiences continue to inspire my commitment to youth development and girls’ empowerment." She added that she has attended and organized numerous events across Pakistan to encourage women to engage in healthy social activities, particularly in areas where women have long been constrained by rigid social norms and traditional practices.
Composition of the Newly Elected WAGGGS World Board
The newly elected WAGGGS World Board includes Sarah Govan-Sisk as Chair, Signe Marie Obel and Fiona Lejosne as Vice Chairs, and Board Members Fatima Al-Faylakawi, Chun Wei (Lydia) Fang, Dr. Natasha Montesalvo, Tricia Tilford, and Dr. Hina Velji.
Representatives from various civil society organizations, including the Pakistan Girls Guide Association, Aga Khan Education Services, Pakistan, and the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, congratulated Velji on this milestone and her work in women’s empowerment and positive youth development across the country.
