Smriti Mandhana Appointed UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate on International Day of the Girl Child

Smriti Mandhana Takes on New Role with UNICEF India

On October 11, UNICEF India revealed that renowned cricketer Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as a Celebrity Advocate for the UN Child Rights Agency.

In this new capacity, Mandhana aims to enhance her previous efforts in advocating for equal rights and opportunities for children and youth.

This announcement coincided with the International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing the importance of girls' rights, protection, potential, and leadership, as well as the obstacles that hinder their choices globally.

As a prominent figure and inspiration for young women and girls in India, Mandhana will work towards ensuring equal opportunities for girls to engage in sports and excel. She will assist UNICEF India in promoting the empowerment, health, and overall well-being of adolescent girls, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Mandhana expressed her excitement, stating, “I am privileged to join UNICEF India as its Celebrity Advocate. My journey in cricket taught me that every dream starts with an opportunity. With dedication and support, that opportunity can lead to remarkable achievements. Every child deserves the chance to dream big and realize their potential.”

A recipient of the Arjuna Award and a leading figure in Indian sports, Mandhana captains the Indian women's cricket team. She played a pivotal role in securing India's first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025 and made history that year by being the first woman to score over 1,000 One Day International (ODI) runs in a single calendar year, achieving five ODI centuries.

In 2026, she emerged as the top run-scorer in women's international cricket and T20 internationals, holding the title of the world's leading women's ODI batter and being recognized as ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year twice.

Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India's Representative, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Smriti Mandhana as our Celebrity Advocate on the International Day of the Girl Child. Her journey from a young athlete to a global cricket star illustrates what is achievable when talent meets opportunity. With India housing the largest generation of children and youth, investing in girls' rights and well-being is crucial for the country's future. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Smriti to empower every girl to learn, play, lead, and realize her potential.”

Mandhana has previously supported UNICEF-ICC initiatives focused on gender equality and life skills, along with UNICEF's Promise to Children campaign.

India is home to 253 million adolescents, accounting for one-fifth of its population and 21% of the global adolescent demographic.

While India has made strides in improving access to education, health, and protection services, significant challenges remain. Children from underprivileged urban and rural areas continue to experience poverty and limited access to quality services. Adolescent girls, in particular, face numerous vulnerabilities that restrict their choices regarding education, work, marriage, and social interactions.

UNICEF collaborates with governments, communities, civil society, and youth to promote the rights and opportunities of adolescent girls, providing them with knowledge, life skills, leadership opportunities, and safe environments to make informed decisions about their education, health, and futures.

In partnership with various stakeholders, UNICEF also engages families and communities to challenge harmful gender norms, strengthen support systems, ensure girls remain in education, enhance social protection, and connect them to skills and livelihood opportunities, thereby empowering them to learn, lead, thrive, and postpone marriage.