Amanda Amaeshi, an award-winning activist, campaigner, and writer specialising in gender equality, anti-racism, and youth voice, has been named My Life My Say’s ‘Changemaker of the Year’ for 2024.
Ms Amaeshi, a final-year Law student at University College London (UCL), has consistently used her voice to influence policy and advocate for social justice.
The award, decided by public vote, was announced at My Life My Say’s ‘Next Generation Conference’, held on November 22, 2024, at the Barbican Centre in London. The conference – an annual highlight of the youth-led, non-partisan charity’s activities – brought together hundreds of young people alongside renowned speakers, activists, and politicians to explore innovative solutions to some of society’s biggest challenges.
Amanda emerged as the winner from a shortlist of inspiring changemakers, including youth leader Yahye Abdi, social enterprise founder Abdirahman Ahmed, TV personality Georgia Harrison, climate activist Clover Hogan, and artist Jordan Stephens.
A Journey of Advocacy and Activism
From an early age, Amanda showed a keen interest in addressing social issues. In 2017, she won the Young Reporters for the Environment competition for her writing on food waste solutions in Scotland. Her advocacy journey gained momentum when she became a Year of Young People 2018 ambassador, advocating for youth participation in politics and young people’s rights — issues important to young people across Scotland.
As a member of Girlguiding’s national Advocate Panel, Amanda spoke out on issues affecting girls and young women in the UK. She engaged audiences of CEOs, politicians, and decision-makers through speeches, blogs, and live radio interviews.
Today, Amanda remains a Young Spokesperson for Girlguiding Scotland and serves on Scotland’s First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG), engaging in collaborative intersectional policy scrutiny and providing the much-needed youth voice to ensure that NACWG’s work in holding the Scottish Government to account is helpful for girls and young women.
Her guest articles for Scottish newspaper The National further amplify her advocacy, challenging societal norms through her fresh perspective, and inspiring readers to engage in collective action against injustices.
Amanda also works closely with organisations including the Young Women’s Movement Scotland, Intercultural Youth Scotland, and the National Youth Agency in England — showing her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive and intersectional practices across various sectors.
Recognised and Celebrated
Amanda’s contributions have already earned her numerous accolades. She was named on the Young Women’s Movement’s 30 Under 30 list in 2020, featured in the WOW Foundation’s Young Leaders Directory in 2022, and was honoured as the Glasgow Times Young Scotswoman of the Year for 2020.
In her acceptance speech at the Next Generation Conference, Amanda reflected on the broader impact of her work: “Winning is an honour, as I’ve said, but it’s even more of an honour to have a platform to share what I’ve done with others, perhaps with those who otherwise wouldn’t have known. Because, really, this award’s not about me: it’s about the work that I’ve done, the work that I do together with other people, and its positive impact for society at large.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Amanda is hugely grateful to not only all those who voted for her, but everyone who has supported her throughout her advocacy journey so far.
Amanda is determined to use her platform to motivate others to make a difference, encouraging everyone to contribute in their own way to creating a better world.
Congratulations to Amanda Amaeshi, a true changemaker and an inspiration to many!
Find Amanda’s work here: https://linktr.ee/amandaamaeshii
Watch Amanda’s acceptance speech here: https://youtu.be/gBl0QcJ7kzU
