Campaign seeks to highlight a diverse range of talents, backgrounds and experiences, from campaigners to youth workers, artists, writers and young leaders

The Young Women’s Movement (YWM) has launched its annual 30 Under 30 list, which showcases 30 inspiring young women and non-binary people in Scotland, who are making changes in their communities and wider society.

YWM first compiled the list in 2016 to address the lack of diverse representation of young women in Scotland on other 30 under 30 lists.

Since then, the YWM has featured over 200 inspiring stories.

The 30 under 30 list is just one of the campaigns that the YWM has implemented to promote the positive impact of young women and girls in Scotland.

It works to build a movement embedded in safe spaces and wellbeing for young women and girls to come together and access resources, networks and platforms to collectively challenge inequality, lead radical social change and re-imagine our world. 

Now in its eighth iteration, the 30 Under 30 campaign seeks to highlight a diverse range of talents, backgrounds and experiences, from campaigners to youth workers, artists, writers and young leaders. By showcasing a range of experiences, the Young Women’s Movement 30 under 30 list aims to show young women and girls that there are many and diverse paths to success.

Jenni Snell, CEO of the Young Women’s Movement, said: “Publishing our annual 30 under 30 list is a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the positive impact that young women and non-binary people are having across Scotland. By showcasing these 30 powerful stories, we are simultaneously celebrating their amazing contributions to change while also inspiring the next generation of young women and girls.

“This 30 under 30 2023 list stands as a message of hope and a vision of feminist leadership amid challenging times. It’s our purpose at the Young Women’s Movement to bring together all women and girls, as we work towards an equitable Scotland for and by young women and girls.”

Read the full list here: youngwomenscot.org/30-under-30-2023

Some featured nominees are:

Ally Zlatar, age 25, based in Glasgow. An artist and activist, and founder of The Starving Artist, which utilises creative arts for systemic reform.

Iona M.J. MacDonald, age 17, based in Inverness. A community reporter for the north-west Highlands at the Ross-shire Journal, Northern Times, and Inverness Courier.

Kirsty Pallas, age 29, based in Oban. A mountaineering and rock-climbing instructor, member of Oban Mountain Rescue Team, working to increase diversity and inclusivity in the outdoors.

Nikhita Vakkalagadda, age 21, based in Edinburgh. An independent musician and youth worker at Intercultural Youth Scotland.

Poppy Fairbairn, age 16, based in Kirkcaldy, Fife. A youth advocate for children’s rights and a UNICEF UK Youth Advisory Board member (2021-23).